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Iron County Recycling/Land & Water Conservation Committee Meeting Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:30 pm Forestry & Hwy Board Room 1. Meeting called to order by Chair Haeger @ 4:30 pm. Role Call – Present: Roy Haeger, Pat Hanson, William Thomas, Paul Mullard, Larry Youngs, Lori Prenderville, Tim Mika (Ag Tech), Ethan Rossing (USDA-APHIS), Keith Hendricks (Recycling Attendant – Hurley) & Wife, and Heather Palmquist 2. Verify the meeting was properly posted. – It was. 3. Public Comment – Youngs reported he has received praise on the new recycling attendant who was present at the meeting. 4. Minutes- Motion to approve minutes made by Thomas/Hanson; MC. Recycling 5. Approve the Recycling Ordinance – Discussion on whether this is a new ordinance or a replacement, decision - this is a new ordinance – Motion to approve the Recycling Ordinance and send to the county board for approval made by: Thomas/Mullard; MC. 6. Approve 2025 Recycling Bills/Financial Report – plastic bag issue caused over spending in the budget, however, the signs have helped. Motion to approve the 2025 Recycling Bills/Financial Report made by: Hanson/Thomas: MC. 7. Approve 2026 Recycling Bills/Financial Report – Not much has been spent in 2026. Motion to approve the 2026 Recycling Bills/Financial Report made by: Thomas/Hanson; MC. 8. WM Update – None. 9. Attendant Update – Keith Hendricks introduced himself to the committee. The committee welcomed him and praised him on his performance. Palmquist will get him a key fob for the Forestry/Hwy building to use the bathroom. LWCD 10. Set the Corn Price for 2025 Bear Damage – Rossing reported the average corn price was $4.08/bu and is the recommendation to set as the corn price. Motion to set the corn price at $4.08/bu made by Thomas/Mullard; MC. 11. Approve 2025 Wildlife Damage Claims – Rossing reported there were 535 acres of corn was appraised, 0.66 ac in damage, resulting in $319.72, damage has been on a decline due to the trapping; in 2024 $1700 in damage. The natural food source was also good, aiding in lower bear damage. Motion to approve the 2025 Wildlife Damage Claims made by: Thomas/Mullard; MC. 12. WDACP Presentation - Rossing gave a presentation on the wildlife damage program, covering all the species they deal with and explaining the methods used in deterring wildlife from crops. 13. Grant Resolution – Palmquist reported this is the same resolution passed every year, authorizing her to apply for grants to further the department’s work supported by the LWRM Plan. Motion to approve the 2026 grant resolution and forward to the full county board made by: Thomas/Mullard; MC. 14. DNR Grant Resolution – Palmquist reported this resolution is passed every year as well, this is specific for DNR Surface Water Grants, they require this specific grant resolution. Motion to approve the 2026 DNR grant resolution and forward to the full county board made by: Thomas/Hanson; MC. 15. WI Land+Water Conference – Silent Auction – Palmquist explained that in the past, the LCC approved the LWCD to purchase items to submit to the silent auction at the Land+Water Conference. The silent auction proceeds go to youth education programming including the conservation camps and Envirothon. Motion to approve up to $200 purchase of silent auction items for the Land+Water Silent Auction made by: Thomas/Hanson; MC. 16. 2025 Accomplishment Report – Palmquist provided a copy of the 2025 LWCD Accomplishment report to the committee. She went through the report, highlighting the department's cost/revenue. In 2025, the county contributed 9% of the LWCD’s operating budget. The department continues to be largely funded by a number of grants. There were 3 conservation projects installed in 2025. Outreach and education continued to be a focus of the department. The invasive species program continued with the addition of 2 LTE staff. Wildlife Damage and Agriculture Technician program were covered in the report as well. The 2025 LWCD Accomplishment report will go to the full county board so they can see what the department accomplished in 2025. 17. Staff Reports – WDACP – Rossing asked if there were any questions after his presentation, but gave his update at that time. NRCS – None. Ag Tech – Mika provided written report; highlighted his field day out on Clement’s farm where about 9 attendees learned a variety of agricultural practices including grazing, nutrient management planning, soil sampling, etc. Conservationist – Palmquist asked if there were any questions for her report sent in the packets or on the accomplishment report. 18. Approve LWCD Bills – Motion to approve LWCD Bills made by: Hanson/Thomas; MC. 19. Move to closed session pursuant to Sec 19.85(1)(c) Wis Stats., to discuss hiring a Conservation Specialist and set hiring wage. Motion to move into closed session made by Hanson/Thomas; Roll Call Vote- Haeger – Aye, Hanson – Aye, Thomas – Aye, Mullard-Aye, Youngs -Aye; MC. 20. Return to open session: Take action on items discussed in closed session if needed. Motion to return to open session made by Thomas/Mullard; Roll Call Vote- Haeger – Aye, Hanson – Aye, Thomas – Aye, Mullard-Aye, Youngs -Aye; MC. Motion to hire the first choice candidate at $25.09/hr with the option to offer the second and third choice candidates at $25.09/hr made by: Thomas/Hanson; MC. 21. Next meeting date – TBD. 22. Adjourn- Haeger adjourned the meeting at 5:40 pm.