Economic Development & UW-Extension Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the July 6, 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members Present: Others Present: John Righeimer Mike Markgren Lori Baltrusis Stacey Hessel Laura Bruce Jim Miller - Absent Mindy Simons Steve Longtine Brian Priester Randy Neumann Ann Larson Call to Order – Mr. Righeimer called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call was taken. Quorum was met. Meeting Agenda -- Set Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Minutes from the previous meeting dated: June 8, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Ms. Hessel Motion carried without negative vote. Resolution 2026- Weiss and Winter Library Support – Mr. Markgren explained the resolution presented. Motion to approve as written for recommendation to the Finance Committee and County Board by: Ms. Hessel Second by: Mr. Longtine Motion carried without negative vote. Library – Ms. Larson reported for the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Library. She spoke regarding the current library programs and activities as well as the two grants received; three new study pods are being installed today. Ms. Baltrusis stated Ms. Knuckey was absent due to 4-H Camp. A written report was submitted. Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau Report— Ms. Simons spoke regarding the tourism economic impact, showing a record-breaking year of $155 million in economic impact and estimated Wisconsin ranks 21st or 22nd in tourism out of all the states. NWRPC Report— no report. SC Economic Development Corporation Report— Mr. Priester reported on training and meetings with local business owners; he is rebuilding the EDC website which will launch in the near future. He discussed the selection process for the Federal Census Tract Opportunity Zone which has a July 31st application deadline; the City of Hayward is the entity who would submit the application. Trail Reports-- Motorized— Ms. Hessel stated the trails are amazing and fun. Non-Motorized trails—No report. Board Appointed Committee Updates – No reports Correspondence, Reports from Conferences— None Future Agenda Items – None Adjournment – 9:04 am Meeting Date/Time – The next meeting of the Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee will be Monday, August 10, 2026 at 8:30 am in the Board Room. Minutes recorded by Laura Bruce, Elected Official Deputy Clerk