Regular July Town Board Meeting — Minutes

Regular July Town Board Meeting Minutes Monday, July 13th, 2026 The meeting was posted on July 9th, 2026 at the Bayfield Town Hall and the town website. Chairman Robert Meierotto and Supervisors Robert Feyen, Fred Erickson, and Carol Fahrenkrog were in attendance. Clerk Kelly Faye, Treasurer Billie Hoopman, and Road Foreman Carl Butterfield were also present. Chairman Meierotto called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Supervisor Boutin joined via Zoom at 6:15PM. Public Comment: -Robert Kroll of Kennedy Road commented on the agenda item related to applications to place three RVs on a nearby property. He shared environmental and personal concerns with the request. He stated that the applicant’s property is fairly wet and is the site of regeneration of Northern White Cedar. He also has concerns about sediment draining off of the property into the lake. He expressed concerns about the possibility of Short -Term Rentals and disrespectful renters as well as concerns about ATVs/Snowmobiles on his property. -Randy Fahrenkrog, also a nearby resident , shared that he has a lot of concerns . He stated it seems like a major construction project with a road and at least three pads off of the driveway already installed. He also has concerns about the possibility of future Short-Term Rentals. -Tom Galazen stated that he supports those with concerns about the RV issue. He also expressed concerns about dust along Valley Road. -Sean Heckman, resident of Ski Hill Road, expressed concerns about ensuring snowmobiles do not trespass on his snowshoe trails in the winter. He stated that there have been recent problems nearby with snowmobiles trespassing but he doesn’t know who the trespassers are. Items for Future Agendas: None. Discussion and possible approval of minutes of Regular Town Board Meeting of June 8 th, 2026 and Road Inspection of June 15 th, 2026: A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Receive and Place on File Treasurer’s Report: Town of Bayfield Treasurer’s Monthly Report 7/13/2026 GENERAL CHECKING ACCT. 50062 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $75,224.35 Less Checks Outstanding (To Date) $51,340.18 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $23,884.17 MONEY MARKET ACCT. 150375 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $726,646.34 Less Designated Funds: • Growth Incentive Fund $31,527.51 • Pileated Woodpecker Trail (PWT - Hatchery) $1,973.38 a. Less Legal Invoice - $422.50 (check 22840) $1,550.88 • Salmo Trail Project: Expenses have exceed Rev. Rcvd. To-date $0.00 TOTAL of Designated Funds $33,078.39 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $693,567.95 LOANS: BREMER BANK LOANS Loader Star Route Project • Issue Date 2/21/2020 2024 • Maturity Date 2/21/2028 12/05/2028 • Interest Rate: 2.5% 4.2% Original Balance $433,918.28 $1,587,286.00 Last Payment 6/21/2026 - $4,998.52 • $4,777.71 Principal • $220.81 Interest 12/5/2025 - $141,263.72 • $121,821.00 • $19,442.72 Current Balance $97,788.97 $365,465.00 Next Payment Due 7/21/2026 = $4,998.52 12/05/2026 - $141,263.72 NOTES: 1. Received GTA payment on July 7, 2026, in the amount of $53,435.87. 2. Met with GIF recipient. Agreement signed and check issued. Salmo Trail Proposed Project Budget REVENUES: Essentia Health Donation $5,000.00 Rcvd. Tamarack Health Donation $5,000.00 Rcvd. Bayfield County Wellness Grant $5,000.00 Awarded/Reimbursable DNR Rec. Trails Program Grant $46,811.00 Awarded/Reimbursable Bats Donations $3,126.00 BATS or Boreal Shores Grant $5,000.00 Rcvd. TOTAL $69,937.00 InKind Labor $3,900.00 Estimated InKind Equip $2,000.00 Estimated $75,837.00 EXPENSES (To-date Actual): Tie Downs $26.98 Credit Card Lumber for Bridge $113.10 Ck. 22609 Call for bids / publication $75.39 Ck. 22666 Tractor Supply – Sm. Cart $220.98 Credit Card Tractor Supply – Lg. Cart $257.58 Credit Card Triwonder - Tie Downs $23.98 Credit Card WisCorps – 1st Payment (1/2) $6500.00 Ck. 22780 Bayfield Hardware 7/1 8.34 Charged Scott’s Home & Land Imp. $,1025.00 Ck. 22841 Custom Manufacturing Inc. $40,200.00 Ck. 22836 TOTAL $48,451.35 Custom Manufacturing – 6 more swamp pans and brackets Expenses - Budgeted Custom Manufacturing $40,600.00 Approved Bid Army Corps $13,000.00 Approved Bid Equipment Operator $1200.00 Estimated Consultants/Contractors $2000.00 Estimated Equipment Rental $500.00 Estimated Supplies 0 Estimated Camo Drive Screws $500.00 Estimated Ramp Materials $1760.00 Estimated Gravel $2880.00 Estimated Transport of Materials $2000.00 Estimated Carts to move boardwalk $800.00 Estimated Showers at RFR $500.00 Estimated Dalrymple Campsites $250.00 Estimated TOTAL $65,990.00 A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried. Report from Pike’s Bay Sanitary District: Commissioner Sean Heckman was present. H explained that though Michael Mucha resigned as a Commissioner, he will remain with PBSD as a pro-bono consultant. He brought up some recent staffing changes at the treatment plant and a recent proposal sent to the City of Bayfield to use joint employees which was declined. Update from Bayfield Area Trails: None. Annual Economic Impact Presentation by Bayfield Chamber & Visitor’s Bureau: Fahrenkrog provided handouts detailing the marketing and public relations the Chamber completed over the past year. She presented information related to their website and other marketing tools. She noted the importance of Room Tax money to help fund the marketing efforts. She provided an opportunity for questions from those in attendance. OLD BUSINESS Discussion and possible recommendation to the Bayfield County Zoning related to three Class A Special Use Permit Applications submitted by Dwayne Truhlsen and Sarah Gasper for the placement of three RVs for over four months located on 5.55-acres located at 33970 Old Kennedy Road (Tax ID 39672) to be used as tiny homes for personal use and possible future short-term rentals use: Plan Commission Chairman Chuck Finn was present. It was noted that the Plan Commission discussed the request and recommends that the Town Board deny the application based on the following: 1) Concerns whether some portions of the property is primarily wetland, 2) After-the-fact timing of the application, 3) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not been involved and therefore it is unknown if DNR setback and stormwater control (or wetland delineation) is needed, 4) May set a precedent of the property being used as a campground. A motion was made by Feyen, seconded by Erickson, to recommend that the Bayfield County Zoning Department deny the applications. Motion carried. Discussion and possible recommendation to Bayfield County Zoning related to a variance request submitted by Stephen C. Nold and Susan E. Lindahl, owners of a .87-acre parcel Zoned RRB in a shoreland zone, Tax ID 4287, seeking to construct a 1,906 sq foot residence, install holding tank, and extend a driveway on a property with existing garage and driveway scheduled for a Bayfield County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at 9:00 AM: Finn explained this is a permit application that was already denied by the Bayfield County Board. The Plan Commission voted to recommend denial in support of the County’s decision. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Feyen, to deny the request. Motion carried. Discussion of continuing issue of beaver activity along Meyers-Olson and review of options as described in Wisconsin Bureau of Land Management pamphlet: Chairman Meierotto reported that Kate Kitchell told him that Jeff Nelson is keeping an eye on the situation. He noted that it is possible the the recent dry weather may reduce their activity near the road. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and possible action on proposal by Jon Dale that the Town of Bayfield purchase a multi-use harrow for the purpose of gravel road maintenance: Dale was present and explained that his farm’s blueberry is about to start and he has concerns about the need for dust control on Valley Road. He noted that there have now been two seasons since the failing asphalt was removed and that there is currently a catch 22 scenario. The calcium chloride dust control works until it dries out and then the road starts to washboard. He explained that he has been watering the road to reduce the dust and it’s effect on his farm. He proposed that a three-point hitch may be a better tool than the road grader to smooth out the road while also preserving the dust control during blueberry season. Fahrenkrog asked if anyone has one that the town could try before purchasing one. Feyen asked Road Foreman Butterfield what his opinion was on the issue. Butterfield asked if it would be used on all gravel roads or just Valley Road. It was then suggested it would only be used for Valley Road as it was unknown how long it would last if used for additional roads. Discussion took place about the possibility of feathering the roadway with the blade on the grader. It was reported that gravel was recently placed on the roadway. Dale agreed that the town could start by trying to use a softer touch when the road is dry, in addition to new dust control. Discussion and possible appointment of Pikes Bay Sanitary Commissioner to complete the term previously held by Michael Mucha that expires in April 2029: Commissioner Heckman stated that they may have a potential candidate for Commissioner. It was suggested that the issue be placed on a future agenda. Discussion and possible action on proposed changes to Dumpster Day: Feyen requested that this issue be tabled until August. Discussion and possible action on setting 2026-2027 snowplowing rate: Treasurer Hoopman reported that the rate for 2025-2026 was $130.00. Discussion took place about whether it was appropriate to raise the rate. It was noted that it was $4.79/gal. of diesel on the day of the meeting. Future plowing needs including a new vehicle, staff, and fuel costs were brought up. It was decided that the issue would be placed on the August agenda. Discussion and possible action on Ordinance 2026-02: Adopting the Wisconsin Municipal and Related Records and the Risk Management and Related Records Schedules (updated): Clerk Faye requested that this issue be tabled until a future meeting. Discussion and possible action on Ordinance 2026-03: Revising Growth Incentive Fund and By-Laws of Operation: Clerk Faye requested that this issue be tabled until a future meeting. Receive and place on file the correspondence for July 2026: Received 1. Ballots for August 11th Partisan Primary Election from Bayfield County Clerk. 2. Email from Jon Dale of Highland Valley Farm suggesting the town consider using a multi-use harrow on Valley Road. 3. Several emails from Kate Kitchell of Bayfield Area Trails requesting equipment purchases for use on the Salmo Lakewalk Trail Boardwalk improvements. 4. Three Class A Special Use Applications, Dwayne Truhlsen and Sarah Gasper-applicants, for RV placement over four months at 33790 Old Kennedy Road from Bayfield County Zoning. 5. Email from Dwayne Truhlsen and Sarah Gasper explaining their plans for RVs/Tiny homes to be located at 33790 Old Kennedy Road. 6. Gravel Bid Submissions in advance of the June 30th bid opening meeting. 7. Copy of Bayfield County Board of Adjustment variance request from the shoreland zoning ordinance for Stephen Nold and Susan Lindahl (Tax ID 4287) to place a 1,906 sq. ft. stall holding tank, and extend a driveway 35 ft. from a navigable stream. Outgoing 1. Federal Payroll Taxes for End of June to beginning of July to US Treasury. 2. WI Payroll Taxes for June to WI Department of Revenue. 3. Federal 941 Payroll Report for 2nd Qtr. 2026. 4. Unemployment Report for 2nd Qtr. 2026. 5. 2026-2027 Liquor License Report to WI Department of Revenue. 6. 2026 Maintenance of Effort Report to WI Department of Revenue. 7. Email to poll workers related to August 11th Partisan Primary Election schedule. 8. Gravel Bid Request Posting to Ashland Daily Press, town bulletin board, and town website. 9. Email and signed gravel bid award letter to Trusty Trucking of Iron River, WI. 10. Forty-three absentee ballots for the August 11th Partisan Primary Election. 11. 2026-2027 Liquor and Operator Licenses. 12. Fireworks Permit for Adam Bauer and Aaron Carrier for event on July 3rd, 2026. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the correspondence. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Clerk’s Report for June 2026: A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Feyen, to approve the Clerk’s Report. Motion carried. Chairman and Supervisor Reports: Chairman Meierotto reported that gravel is being placed and ditching is taking place. Set date and time for the August Town Board Meeting (Partisan Primary Election to be held Tuesday, August 11th): Monday, August 17th, 2026. Adjourn: A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to adjourn. Motion carried. Minutes presented by: Kelly Faye, Clerk. 6/4/26 - 7/9/26 DISBURSEMENTS Checks written $128,380.42 Range 22799 22841 BUDGETS vs. ACTUAL June 2026 Y-T-D Budget % of Budget Revenue 35,046$ 892,092$ 2,126,396$ 42% Expense 98,170$ 524,202$ 2,126,396$ 25% Balance (63,124)$ 367,890$