Regular June Town Board Meeting — Minutes

Regular June Town Board Meeting Minutes Monday, June 8th, 2026 The meeting was posted on June 4th, 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. Supervisor Karen Boutin was excused. Chairman Meierotto called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Feyen, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Public Comment: Sue Aiken stated that she recently participated in a hike on the Big Ravine Trail as part of the local bird festival. She saw two beavers during the hike. She noted that it is a beautiful trail that locals and others appreciate. She thanked the town for the public access to the trail. Ted May stated he led a hike on the Pileated Woodpecker Trail during the bird festival. He hopes that the conflict related to the trail will be resolved so mowing along the DNR section can happen. Items for Future Agendas: The following items were suggested for a future agenda - 1) Review Dumpster Day procedures and consider possibl e improvements 2) Set 2026 -2027 snowplowing rates 3) Bayfield Chamber Annual Economic Report 4) Growth Incentive Fund By-Law Update. Discussion and possible approval of minutes of Regular Town Board Meeting o f May 11 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 6/5/26 GENERAL CHECKING ACCT. 50062 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $36,515.41 Less Checks Outstanding (To Date) $5,490.74 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $31,024.67 MONEY MARKET ACCT. 150375 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $759,519.49 Less Designated Funds: • Growth Incentive Fund $41,502.35 • Pileated Woodpecker Trail (PWT - Hatchery) a. Less Legal Invoice - $450.00 $1,973.38 • Salmo Trail Project: Essentia, Tamarack Health & Boreal $7,808.97 TOTAL of Designated Funds $51,284.70 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $708,234.79 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 5/21/2026 - $4,998.52 • $4,774.90 Principal • $223.62 Interest 12/5/2025 - $141,263.72 • $121,821.00 • $19,442.72 Current Balance $102,566.68 $365,465.00 Next Payment Due 5/21/2026 = $4,998.52 12/05/2026 - $141,263.72 NOTES: 1. Followed up on GIF application. I received a letter from other party listed on Tax Roll their understanding that special charges can be placed onto the tax roll for payment, and received background check material. Based on these documents I would recommend approval. The nature of the business conducted outside of the area may need further consideration by the Town Board. 2. A memo and the proposed room tax ordinance were e-mailed and sent to all known parties. Some mail was returned as undeliverable. I sent a second e-mail to those parties in an attempt to make sure they were duly notified of the proposed changes. I recommend approval of the revised ordinance and the proposed Room Tax agreement with the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Feyen, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried. Treasurer Hoopman stated that there were two Town Hall Rental requests- 1) June 15th Memorial Service 2) June 20th Back-Up Location for Brickyard Creek Annual Meeting. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the June 15th rental. Motion carried. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Feyen, to approve the June 20th rental. Motion carried. Report from Pike’s Bay Sanitary District: None. Update from Bayfield Area Trails: Kate Kitchell provided a written briefing paper to the Town Board members in advance of the meeting. She reported on the Salmo Trail, East Rim Trail, Pileated Woodpecker Trail, the Big Ravine Headwaters, and the Economic Impact Study. She also noted that the suggestion that Bayfield Area Trails become a 501©3 is under consideration. Kitchell requested a letter be sent to allow the DNR to mow a portion of the Pileated Woodpecker Trail. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Feyen, to authorize a letter to the DNR and allow the Town Chairman to sign the letter. Motion carried. Discussion and possible action on proposed update to Growth Incentive Fund By -Laws to allow for a $10,000 loan limit per approved applicant: A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to authorize an increase in the GIF loan limit to $10,000. This would go into the GIF By -Laws immediately. A roll call vote was taken. Meierotto -yes, Fahrenkrog-yes, Feyen-yes, Erickson-yes, Boutin-absent. Motion carried. Discussion and possible action on Growth Incentive Fund Loan Request in the amount of $10,000 from Hilary and John Jewell, DBA Northern Jewels LLC, based at 85465 Happy Hollow Road, for growth of their farm and fishing business: John Jewell was in attendance on Zoom. Fahrenkrog brought up the purpose of the Growth Incentive Fund. Jewell stated that he lives on a boat in Alaska in June and July of each year. He stated he purchases supplies for his time in Alaska in Bayfield. He works at Mt. Ashwabay the rest of the year. He noted that he and Hilary are planning to have kids farm activities. He stated that most of the money will go to farm fencing and a pumpkin patch. The project will create a safe place for children to have fun. Fahrenkrog noted that the expense list is heavy on fishing and asked for that to be explained better. Jewell reported that during the first year as a boat owner they are investing mor heavily in fishing. Then they will reinvest profits back into the farm business. Treasurer Hoopman suggested that a decision should be made in case similar applications come in, in which people are requesting funding for multiple projects that are entirely located in the Town of Bayfield. Jewell reported Hilary is working on a non-profit organization for kids to play on their farm. Treasurer Hoopman reported that their credit check was fine and that a letter from the landowner says they will take the responsibility in case of a default. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the application. A roll call vote was taken- Meierotto-yes, Fahrenkrog-yes, Feyen-no, Erickson-yes, Boutin-absent. Motion carried with a vote of three yes, one no, one absent. Discussion and possible action on topics discussed at the June 8th Plan Commission Meeting including the option to provide input on the Bayfield County Zoning Code Ordinance Re - write Drafts: It was reported that the meeting with Bayfield County Zoning representatives went well. No further input would be provided on the drafts at this time. Discussion and possible appointment of new Plan Commission member: A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve Michael (Mick) Parent as a Plan Commission member. Motion carried. Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance 2026-01: Hotel-Motel-Inn Room Taxes: A copy of the draft ordinance was provided to the Town Board in their meeting packets. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the Ordinance. Motion carried. A copy of the signed ordinance is available by request. Discussion and possible action on Agreement between the Town of Bayfield and the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, Inc. regarding Tourism Development and Tourism Promotion (Room Tax): A copy of the draft agreement was provided to the Town Board members in their meeting packet in advance of the meeting. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Feyen, to approve the agreement. Fahrenkrog abstained. Motion carried. A copy of the signed agreement is available by request. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and possible approval of 2026-2027 Liquor License Applications: Adventure Club Brewing LLC, Matthew Gerdts-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License for the southwest corner of the Howl Building including the brewery, taproom, and patio area, located at 35265 S. County Hwy J, Bayfield, WI 54814. Apostle Highlands, Inc, DBA Apostle Highlands Golf Course, Mason Parker-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License for the pavilion, clubhouse bar, liquor storage room, patio, deck, and golf course, located at 34725 Madeline Tr, Bayfield, WI 54814. Ashwabay Alliance Inc (Site 1), DBA Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Garry Schalla-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License for the chalet building, outdoor bar, walk-in cooler, tents, and grounds (records stored in office) located at 32525 Ski Hill Road, Bayfield, WI 54814. Ashwabay Alliance, LLC (Site 2), DBA The Backstage, Garry Schalla-Agent, for a Class B Beer and a Class B Liquor License for the event and kitchen space including the bar, listening room, kitchen, locked storage, and locked cooler (records stored in office) at 84810 Highway 13, Bayfield, WI 54814. Bayfield Apple Company, LLC, Karra Prudhomme-Agent, for a Class A Beer and Class A Liquor License for their orchard storefront and gift shop, located at 87540 County Hwy J, Bayfield, WI 54814. Erickson Orchard and Country Store LLC, Frederick Erickson-Agent, for a Class A Liquor and Class A Cider License for their country store, apple room, festival tent area, and walk-in cooler, located at 86600 Betzold Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814. Perri G. Campbell, DBA Hillcrest Orchards, Perri Campbell-Agent, for a Class A Liquor and Class A Cider License for the 24x40 storefront and storage area located at 35025 County Hwy I, Bayfield, WI 54814. Port Superior Marina Association, DBA Portside Bar and Restaurant, Kara Lund-Agent, for a Class B Beer and a Class B Liquor License for the second floor of restaurant, clubhouse, admin office, ship store, pool area, all levels of deck, and docks located at 34475 Port Superior Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814. Superior Living Arts, LLC, DBA Wild Rice Retreat, Heidi Zimmer -Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class C Wine License for their main event center, dining room, kitchen, two large decks areas, and bar located at 84860 Old San Road, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Feyen, to approve the liquor license applications. Discussion and possible approval of Temporary Class B Liquor License for a fundraiser for Bayfield Recreation Center to be held at Town of Bayfield on August 15 th, 2026 (Camille Smalley-Organizer): A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Feyen, to approve the license. Motion carried. Discussion and possible approval of the 2026-2027 Operator’s License Applications: Hauser’s Superior View Farm DBA Apfelhaus Cidery Ellen Russo Dane Hauser Jerry Simons Rebecca Robinson Lindsay Larson Paige Crenshaw Justin Sexton Stanislaus Kaszuba Hillcrest Orchards Perri Campbell Portside Bar and Restaurant Kara Lund Kevin Hearney Claire Saari Marie De Bock Wild Rice Retreat Leilani Boyle Laurie Gruberger Courtney Olby Jennifer Danielson Zoe Jurewicz Samuel Gilbert Jenna Erickson Adventure Club Brewing Matthew Gerdts Ashwabay Alliance Garry Schalla Amanda Stevenson Highland Valley Farm Jonathan Dale Mari Hashimoto Apostle Highlands Golf Course Mason Parker Luke Wilson Daryl DePerry Scotlyn Krueger Erickson Orchards Ken Nourse Cynthia Nourse Beth Erickson Bayfield Apple Company Kara Prudhomme Bayfield Winery Philip Bratsch Bayfield Recreation Center Fundraiser Natalie Stone A motion was made by Feyen, seconded by Erickson, to approve the operator’s licenses. Motion carried. Discussion and possible approval of Fireworks Permit Applications Received: A copy of a fireworks application received from Aaron Carrier for an event to be held on July 3rd. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the permit. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the correspondence for June 2026: Received 1. 2026-2027 Liquor and Operator License Renewal Applications. 2. Bayfield County Zoning Code Re-Write Drafts: Sanitary/Sewage, Floodplain, Shoreland- Wetland Protection and Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation. 3. Fireworks Permit Application from Adam Bauer and Aaron Carrier for event on July 3rd, 2026.. 4. Emails from Bayfield County Clerk Lynn Divine related to planning for August 14th Partisan Primary Election. 5. Several emails from Kate Kitchell of Bayfield Area Trails requesting equipment purchases for use on the Salmo Lakewalk Trail Boardwalk improvements. 6. Flyer for Public Open House and Input Session on the Bayfield County Bike and Pedestrian Plan and Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan on June 25th from 5-7PM in the Bayfield County Annex Building. 7. Additional Growth Incentive Fund Application Materials from John and Hilary Jewell, as requested. 8. 2026 Road Aid Approval Letter from Bayfield County Forestry in the amount of $6,500 for continued improvements to Gotchling Rd. Outgoing 1. Federal Payroll Taxes for End of May to beginning of June to US Treasury. 2. WI Payroll Taxes for May to WI Department of Revenue. 3. Annual Municipal Financial Report Form CT (2026 for 2025) to WI Department of Revenue. 4. Email to Bayfield County Assistant Administrator Kelly Westlund inviting her to attend the June 8th Plan Commission Meeting. 5. Signed Proposal to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers for $23,931 for crack sealing of five sections of town roads. 6. Upcoming Election Training Schedule to Town of Bayfield Chief Election Inspectors. 7. Signed Wild Parsnip Control Contract to Charly Ray of Northern Ecosystem Services. 8. Numerous emails to liquor and operator license applicants answering questions and providing clarification on the application process. A motion was made by Feyen, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the correspondence. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Clerk’s Report for May 2026: A motion was made by Feyen, seconded by Erickson, to approve the Clerk’s Report. Motion carried. Chairman and Supervisor Reports: Chairman Meierotto reported the road crew has been doing a good job working on Happy Hollow Rd. Set date and time for 2026 Road Inspection (Town Board Members to Attend): It was decided the Road Inspection would be on Monday, June 15th at 3:00 PM. Set date and time for Regular July Town Board Meeting: Monday, July 13th, 2026- 6:00 PM. 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$ Adjourn: A motion was made by Feyen, seconded by Erickson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Minutes presented by: Kelly Faye, Clerk.