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Iron County · Iron County · meeting of Jul 28, 2026 · Minutes
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Iron County Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes for July 28, 2026
Approved
1. Meeting called to order:
Youngs called the meeting to order at 5:00pm in the Board Room.
2. Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge was recited.
3. Roll Call:
Roll call taken: Hanson, Nevala, Snyder, Haeger, Youngs, Pinardi, Buccanero, Kessler, Hiller,
Lutgen, Lauer, McNutt, Finco.
4. Moment of Silence for Jamey Francis:
Chairman Youngs recognized Jamey Francis for his years of service to the County and his
contributions to government. The Board observed a moment of silence in his honor. Chairman
Youngs also announced that the Vice Chair position will remain vacant until next meeting.
5. Acknowledge that the meeting was properly noticed and posted.
6. Approve Agenda.
7. Approve minutes of June 30, 2026:
Motion to approve the minutes as presented made by Finco, seconded by McNutt. All yes, carried.
8. Public comment pursuant to Resolution #2341:
The clerk addressed the board regarding being an elected official and communication with staffing
and the clerk’s office.
Courtney Ofstad from the Iron County Fair Board provided information on the upcoming 99th fair,
including improvements to the fairgrounds.
Steve Finco summarized a presentation that he attended put on by UW Extension regarding data
centers.
9. Communications:
The clerk noted that the Counties Association sent new Wisconsin County Directories for anyone
who is interested.
10. Committee and Chairman’s Report:
Land and Water: Haeger noted that work is being done on bioretention plantings, shoreline
stabilization design, permitting for culvert improvements, invasive species monitoring, and aquatic
plant surveys.
Airport: Hanson noted that they are looking to add a new hanger but are meeting challenges with
funding and cost.
Zoning: Hanson noted that they are preparing for an upcoming discussion regarding data centers.
Finance: Lutgen noted a new chair and vice chair were elected. The committee began preliminary
budget planning, approved the library levy allocations, and ongoing financial work.
Forestry: Hiller noted stumpage revenue above prior year, multiple active logging crews,
campground activity and recognition via the Wisconsin Outdoor Industry Award.
Iron County Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes for July 28, 2026
Approved
Chairman Youngs: reported several staff retirements and commended the maintenance staff
efforts. Discussed updates to board member packets by having them sign an acknowledgement
form that they read the information. Discussed flagpole funding at the Memorial Building, closing
the ARPA account, updates on Economic Development, and the success of a grant awarded
through Enbridge to the Memorial Building and recognition given to individuals involved.
11. County Manager’s Report:
The County Manager is on vacation, but his report was in their packets.
12. Confirm Appointment of Brad Buccanero to County Board Supervisor District 1, City of
Hurley Ward 1, Clerk will Administer Oath of Office:
The board confirmed the appointment of Brad Buccanero to the County Board and the Oath was
given.
13. Rezone from an F-1 (Forestry) to a R-3 (Rural Residential) in Accordance with the Asset
Based Community Development Plan in the Town of Pence at 6920W West Branch Road;
Zachary Salter and Michelle Salter, Owners:
Motion to approve the rezone made by Hiller, seconded by Lutgen. All yes, carried.
14. Rezone from an A-1 (Agriculture) to a RR-1 (Residential Recreation) in Accordance with the
Asset Based Community Development Plan in the Town of Mercer at 5723N Payment Lake
Rd; Andrew Smith and Doreen Fornero, Owners:
Motion to approve the rezone made by Lauer, seconded by Finco. All yes, carried.
15. Rezone from an A-1 (Agriculture) to a R-3 (Rual Residential) in Accordance with the Asset
Based Community Development Plan in the Town of Kimball at Section 22 Township 46N
Site Address 10 Acres of the 35 Acres of Parcel 008-0621-0000; Richard and Jill Tilton,
Owners:
Motion to approve the rezone made by Snyder, seconded by Hanson. All yes, carried.
16. Resolution 2026-4095 Adoption of Iron County AI Policy:
Motion to table the Resolution to clarify who specific items get reported to in the policy made by
Finco, seconded by Lauer. All yes, carried.
17. Resolution 2026-4096 Authorizing the sale of County Vehicles on WI Surplus:
WHEREAS, the County has determined that two vehicles assigned to the Iron County Health
Department and Iron County Zoning Department are in the process of being replaced and are no
longer needed for operational purposes and;
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction Services provides a public, competitive, and
transparent method for disposing of county property in accordance with applicable laws and
county policies; and
WHEREAS, the County Board finds it in the best interest of the County to sell the surplus vehicles
using Wisconsin Surplus to ensure fair value is obtained through public auction.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board authorizes the sale of the
following surplus vehicles through Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction Services:
Vehicle #1: 2017 Ford F-150 Extended Cab
Iron County Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes for July 28, 2026
Approved
Vehicle #2: 2018 Ford F-150 Extended Cab
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the designee is authorized to take all necessary steps to
complete the listing, sale, and transfer of the vehicles, including coordinating with Wisconsin
Surplus, preparing required documentation, and ensuring compliance with all county policies and
state regulations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that proceeds from the sale shall be deposited into the appropriate
county account to assist in offsetting the purchase of the new Health Department Vehicle.
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-4096 made by Lutgen, seconded by Hiller. All yes, carried.
18. Resolution 2026-4097 Approving Road Use Permit to Paul Messick:
WHEREAS, Iron County owns certain lands located in the W ½ SW ¼ of Section 14, T45N, R1W,
Town of Anderson, Iron County, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Paul Messick owns certain lands located in the SE ¼ SW ¼ of Section 14, T45N,
R1W, Town of Anderson, Iron County, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Paul Messick is desirous of obtaining a road use permit from Iron County for road
right of way, upon, across, and over the above described Iron County Lands, on an already
established roadway, for purposes of obtaining access to the land owned by on Paul Messick; and
WHEREAS, the Iron County Forestry Committee has reviewed the request, and approved the
issuance of a road use permit to Paul Messick that is not in conflict with the Iron County Forestry
Department’s 15-year plan.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Iron County, through its Forest Administrator, shall
issue a road use permit to Paul Messick pursuant to which Iron County shall grant unto Paul
Messick a temporary license over and upon the existing road in the W ½ SW ¼ of Section 14,
T45N, R1W, Town of Anderson, Iron County Wisconsin. The permit shall contain the standard
provisions as approved by the Iron County Corporation Counsel. Said road shall be open to the
public at all times. No gates or other means of restricting the public from access over and above
said road will be allowed.
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-4097 made by Hanson, seconded by Lauer. All yes, carried.
19. Resolution 2026-4098 Approving Road Use Permit to Northwoods Land Trust:
WHEREAS, Iron County owns certain lands located in the N ½ and the N ½ SW ¼ of Section 4,
T42N, R3E, Town of Mercer, Iron County, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Northwoods Land Trust will own certain lands located in the NE ¼ of Section 5,
T42N, R3E, Town of Mercer, Iron County, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Northwoods Land Trust is desirous of obtaining a road use permit from Iron County
for road right of way, upon, across, and over the above described Iron County Lands, on an already
established roadway and road TBD, for purposes of obtaining access to the land to be owned by
Northwoods Land Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Iron County Forestry Committee has reviewed the request, and approved the
issuance of a road use permit to Northwoods Land Trust that is not in conflict with the Iron County
Forestry Department’s 15-year plan.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Iron County, through its Forest Administrator, shall
issue a road use permit to Northwoods Land Trust pursuant to which Iron County shall grant unto
Northwoods Land Trust a temporary license over and upon the existing road in the NE ¼ of
Section 5, T42N, R3E, Town of Mercer, Iron County, Wisconsin. The permit shall contain the
standard provisions as approved by the Iron County Corporation Counsel. Said road shall be open
Iron County Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes for July 28, 2026
Approved
to the public at all times. No gates or other means of restricting the public from access over and
above said road will be allowed.
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-4098 made by Hiller, seconded by Kessler. All yes, carried.
20. Resolution 2026-4099 Approve Posting Finance Director Position:
WHEREAS, Iron County recognizes the critical importance of maintaining strong financial
leadership to ensure responsible fiscal management, transparency, and long-term financial
stability; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Director will perform the following duties for the County, which include
but are not limited to: budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, tax levy
preparation, financial analysis, audit coordination, year-end journal entries, establishing internal
controls, state report preparation, insurance evaluation, and payroll and benefit administration; and
WHEREAS, Iron County requires a Finance Director with knowledge of generally accepted
auditing standards and applicable state regulations to coordinate the year-end audit, prepare
required reports, record year-end journal entries, and establish internal controls that safeguard
county assets; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Director will work in conjunction with the County Manager to improve
the County’s financial policies and practices through centralized financial management,
streamlined workflow, oversight of daily, monthly, and annual financial activities, long- and short-
term planning, budgeting, and forecasting, strategic capital asset and fund management; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Iron County Board hereby authorizes the
County Clerk and County Manager to proceed with advertising the Finance Director position; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such advertising shall be conducted using appropriate
mediums, including but not limited to online job boards, the organization’s website, professional
associations, and other channels deemed suitable to attract qualified candidates; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Iron County Board of Supervisors approves
proceeding with the process to advertise for a Finance Director.
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-4099 made by Lauer, seconded by Finco. All yes, carried.
21. Next Meeting Date: August 25, 2026 @ 5:00pm.
22. Adjournment:
Youngs adjourned the meeting at 5:46pm.
Approved: August 25, 2026
Christan Brandt, Iron County Clerk
Source: Iron County website. First collected Oct 11, 2026.