Tri-County Trails - July 23, 2026 — Minutes

Page 1 of 3 These minutes are subject to approval at the next regular commission meeting. TRI-COUNTY TRAIL COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2026 7:00 PM Lafayette County Multipurpose Building 11974 Ames Road, Darlington 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Flannery. Members Present: Green County – Paul Hardenstine, Larry Kranig Iowa County – Michael Gates Lafayette County – Jeff Berget, Donna Flannery, Mark Pinch Members Absent: Green County – William Burchard (excused) Lafayette County – Luke McGuire (excused) Others Present: Max Blackbourn – Trail Coordinator, Deb Krahenbuhl – Trail Liaison Rob McConnell – WATVA Lauren Ray, Josh Layer – Origin Design Public –Sheldon Krahenbuhl, Jim Lange, Doug Mayer, Dick North, Jean North, Duke Ruf and Jody Ruf 2. Proof of Proper Posting: Flannery asked for proof of proper posting. Blackbourn stated the agenda was posted at the Green, Iowa and Lafayette County Courthouses, sent to all Lafayette County Departments to post in their facilities, the Pecatonica Valley Leader and the Lafayette County Website. 3. Approval of Agenda: Motion by Gates, seconded by Berget, to approve agenda as amended. Voice vote. Motion carried. 4. Approval of Minutes for June 11, 2026: Motion by Pinch, seconded by Gates, to approve minutes as printed. Voice vote. Motion carried. 5. Public Comment: None 6. Legislative or WATVA Updates – Rob McConnell: McConnell reported that there are 3 regional workshops were are upcoming. Where clubs, volunteers, and enthusiasts together to share best practices, discuss trail projects, and build stronger local partnerships. WATVA is also meeting with legislative contacts drafting up proposals to increase funding in ATV/UTV grants (Although being an election year nothing will be discussed until spring 2027). 7. Discussion and Possible Action – Encroachment issues on trail system (if any) : Blackbourn reported no new issues since last meeting. 8. Discussion and Possible Action – Potential naming rights to bridges from donations/sponsors: Doug Mayer explained to the commission that he was approached from an individual that would not want to be named currently to see if they donated towards a bridge replacement, could the bridge be named after that donor. After very prolonged discussion, a motion was made by Gates, seconded by Berget for the Tri-County Trail Commission to be open for accepting donations for naming rights for bridges. Voice vote. Motion carried. 9. Discussion and Possible Action – Pertaining to the “Lane Lumber Building” located within rail / trail corridor at 247 Wells St. within the City of Darlington: a. Approval of PRTC Draft Termination of Lease Agreement with Becky Burbach (f/k/a Becky Butson): Blackbourn explained to the commission that Becky Burbach is planning on selling the building that sits upon the PRTC owned corridor and requires termination of this lease and creation of a Page 2 of 3 These minutes are subject to approval at the next regular commission meeting. new one with a new owner. PRTC attorney made a recommendation of a motion to use. Following brief discussion, a motion was made by Gates, seconded by Kranig to approve the proposed termination as presented subject to necessary revisions or additions required by the PRTC. Voice vote. Motion carried. b. Approval of PRTC Draft Lease Agreement with Bruce Monson: Blackbourn explained to the commission that this would be the new lease with the prospective purchaser. After brief discussion about the contents of the lease, a motion was made by Berget, seconded by Kranig to approve the proposed lease as presented subject to necessary revisions or additions required by the PRTC. Voice vote. Motion carried. 10. Discussion and Possible Action – Request Lafayette County to consider creating a Part- Time Trail Coordinator Position and requesting shared funding from Green County & Iowa County: Prolonged discussion had about the logistics and needs for the proposed position and how it would be funded by each member county. Following the prolonged discussion, a motion was made by Gates, seconded by Berget to request Lafayette County HR committee to discuss the part time position for the trail coordinator. 11. Discussion and Possible Action – CCT Usage, conditions, grants, and maintenance needs: a. Updates on projects or action needed from the commission – Origin Design: Lauren Ray of Origin Design gave an update to the commission on the progress they have made on Bridge #72 and Slough Lane Riprap projects. She also had 2 proposals lumping Bridge 2 & 3 together and 18 & 48 together for the re-decking projects but will bill appropriately for grant tracking purposes. After reviewing the proposals, a motion was made by Gates, seconded by Berget to approve the proposals and direct a tentative construction date for these projects in April 2027 due to Blanchard Cricket Frog restrictions. b. Trail Coordinator’s Report: Blackbourn briefly went over some updates: • Wrapping up 2025-2026 Annual Maintenance Grant • Completed 2 request for reimbursement for gravel rehab grants. • Was interviewed about the trail by Channel 15 news Krahenbuhl reported receiving lots of phone calls from Iowa and Illinois residents asking about trail status and lodging availability. No action taken. c. Clubs Report (ATV and Snowmobile): Jim Lange reported that Lafayette County Historical Society had asked if they could paint an outline of railroad tracks on the trail by the old depot.to explain to visitors that is where the railroad used to be. After brief discussion, a motion was made by Berget, seconded by Gates to allow the Lafayette County Historical Society to paint an outline of railroad tracks on the trail by the old depot. Voice vote. Motion carried. Doug Mayer reported that he would like to get a trail maintenance only access driveway onto Franklin Road in Green County. After brief discussion, a motion was made by Berget, seconded by Kranig to have Mayer pursue making a legal driveway onto Franklin Road. Voice vote. Motion carried. 15. Discussion and Possible Action – Approval of Vouchers: Blackbourn presented the vouchers for the commission’s consideration. Bridge #72 Grant: $3,785.00 – Origin Design – Invoice 83492 (H&H Study Work) Slough Lane Rip Rap Grant: $9,541.75 – Origin Design – Invoice 83493 (Topographic Survey) 25-26 Snowmobile Maintenance Grant: $1,924.96 – T-Riders – Non-Grooming Trail maintenance (25/26-SNO-18) 25-26 ATV Maintenance Grant: $112.00 – Green County ATV – Clean up downed trees (25/26-ATV-32) $3,970.771 – Green County ATV – Blacktop (25/26-ATV-33) $99.50 – Green County ATV – Clean up downed trees (25/26-ATV-34) Page 3 of 3 These minutes are subject to approval at the next regular commission meeting. $1,080.69 – Douglas S Mayer Transport Inc. – Mowing, grading & tree clearing (25/26-ATV-35) $105.00 – Tri-County ATV – Storm Cleanup (25/26-ATV-36) $234.00 – Tri-County ATV – Storm Cleanup (25/26-ATV-37) $211.00 – Green County ATV – Storm Cleanup (25/26-ATV-38) $378.00 – Tri-County ATV – Storm Cleanup (25/26-ATV-39) $395.93 – Tri-County ATV – Storm Cleanup (25/26-ATV-40) Motion made by Gates, seconded by Kranig to approve the voucher s as presented. Voice vote. Motion carried. 16. Discussion and Possible Action – Status of Funds: Blackbourn presented the status of funds and also emphasized that Tri-County ATV also made a significant contribution of $2,920.94 of work in the month of June due to storm damage that was not going to be covered by grant funds as the work exceeded available grant funds during that time. Motion made by Pinch, seconded by Berget to approve status of funds as presented. Voice vote. Motion carried. 17. Future Agenda Items: • Future Trail Coordinator Position • Project Updates on Bridges & Rip Rap 18. Next Meeting Date (Iowa County): August 27, 2026, 7:00 PM at the Iowa County Law Enforcement Center in Dodgeville. 19. Adjournment: Motion by Pinch seconded by Berget, to adjourn. Voice vote. Motion carried. Time: 8:37 PM Minutes by Max Blackbourn, Tri-County Trails Coordinator