Helena Township
Board of Supervisors – Meeting Minutes
7/15/2026 | New Prague Fire Hall
CALL TO ORDER. Workshop meeting was called to order by Chairperson Wermerskirchen at 5 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
PRESENT. Chairperson John Wermerskirchen, Supervisor Edward Nytes, Supervisor DeAnn Croatt, Deputy Treasurer Patricia Peterson, Clerk Heather Taylor DuCharme, Deputy Clerk Kimberly Carlberg, Road Overseer Jeff Haag, Krissy Schoenbauer, and Ricky Schoenbauer. Not present: Treasurer Nathan Hutton.
MEETING DISCUSSION
- Ricky Schoenbauer and Krissy Schoenbauer were present regarding a construction update and to request a township approval form for building permits, which Taylor DuCharme signed.
- Peterson provided an update regarding the PERA catchup payments.
- Haag updated the Board on the sumac on Bohnsack Way, which is out of the right of way and of which Croatt advised the neighboring property owner who asked about it.
- Resident on 270th called Haag and Nytes about grass on in the gravel and ditches. Haag and Nytes inspected. The ditches are properly cut. There is grass down the center of the gravel because of limited use of the road, but it isn’t long. Haag called Doug Johnson, who will address the issue the next time grading is needed.
- Wermerskirchen picked up a rocking chair, cushion, and bags from the ditch along Alton (Haag is still on medical restrictions).
- A new mailbox post was installed at the second new house on 255th and the claim has been emailed to Taylor DuCharme and Hutton.
- The two properties on WCLD who wanted to remove ditches have done so. It appears they filled the ditches before receiving formal approval from the Supervisors but may have received correspondence directly from the engineer. Supervisors instructed Taylor DuCharme to send a letter to the property owners.
- Haag received a call from a property owner on 270th about possible thistle. Haag inspected and it appears to be wild bergamot, which is not a noxious weed. Haag will advise the property owner who made the report. If the property owner still questions the plant, SWCD said they could come out and look as well. There was discussion about noxious weed removal enforcement.
- Taylor DuCharme updated the Board regarding a call on a fire call invoice for an incident in January of 2025.
- Resolution 07152026A – Appointment of Election Judges for the Precinct of Helena Township for the Primary Election August 11, 2026 and General Election November 3, 2026 was presented to the Supervisors for review and approval. On motion by Croatt/Nytes, Resolution was approved as presented; carried unanimously.
- Resolution 07152026b – Resolution Accepting Feasibility Study and Callling for a Hearing on the Improvements for the 2027 Road Improvement Project was presented to the Supervisors for review and approval. On motion by Nytes/Croatt, Resolution was approved as presented; carried unanimously.
- Supervisors reviewed and approved changes to the Township Recommendation Form.
- Discussion of the filing period and affidavits of candidacy received.
- Taylor DuCharme ordered an ink cartridge for Carlberg with the Township credit card because Carlberg has been printing documents and postings on behalf of the Township. Supervisors approved the purchase.
- Discussion of New Prague City Council meeting scheduled for 8/3/2026 at 6 p.m. and Planning Commission meeting scheduled for 7/22/2026 at 6:30 p.m. related to proposed housing development and annexation along Alton Avenue. Carlberg to post both meetings for possible quorum.
- Supervisors instructed Taylor DuCharme to email out request for snowplow quotes so they can be reviewed prior to or by September.
- Discussed employee handbook cost correction provided by Bob Ruppe ($850 for template plus hourly for an estimated additional $1,500-$2,000 for a possible total of $2,850). On motion by Nytes/Croatt, Taylor DuCharme approved to have Ruppe prepare an employee handbook for the Township; carried unanimously.
- Discussion of 2027 planned road improvement project, including hearing scheduling, notices, and presentation. Supervisors instructed Taylor DuCharme to obtain a copy of the engineer presentation prior to the August workshop for review prior to the public hearing.
- Carlberg updated the Board on upcoming deadlines and calendar items and quorum notice postings.
- Carlberg reviewed the website analytics reports for the Board.
- Wermerskirchen asked if there were any updates on the testing for the pond scraping project (none). Taylor DuCharme will contact the engineer for status.
- Discussion of upcoming MAT D4 meeting at Spring Lake Township Hall. Carlberg will post this as well.
- Nytes provided an update from the Fireman Fish Fry. Discussion of possible retirements, including on other township boards. Nytes updated the Board on his conversation with New Prague Mayor Chuck Nicolay at the fish fry about Alton Avenue and timing of a possible transfer of the road to the City of New Prague. Discussion regarding how much of the road might be transferred and related issues. Taylor DuCharme instructed to email Ruppe to ask about issues related to these kinds of transfers.
ADJOURNMENT. At 6:05 p.m. on motion by Croatt/Wermerskirchen, meeting adjourned; carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted Approved
Dated: Dated:
Clerk Chairperson
