Town Board Meeting — Minutes

Regular July Town Board Meeting Minutes Monday, July 14th, 2025 Call to Order and Roll Call: The meeting was posted on July 8th, 2025 at the Bayfield Town Hall and the town website. Chairman Craig Hoopman and Supervisors Karen Boutin, Robert Meierotto, and Carol Fahrenkrog, and Fred Erickson were present. Clerk Kelly Faye and Road Foreman Carl Butterfield were also in attendance. Treasurer Billie Hoopman was excused. Chairman Hoopman called the meeting at 6:00 PM. Public Comment: Roger Huchthausen was in attendance. He reported to the Town Board that he was presenting additional signatures for the petition he submitted earlier in the year asking for a number of land owners near Ski Hill Road to be removed from the Pike ’s Bay Sanitary District. He suggested that the additional signatures should now bring the percentage of landowners needed for the Town Board to consider the request. Items for Future Agendas: None. Discussion and possible approval of minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting of June 9th, 2025: A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrnekrog, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Receive and Place on File Treasurer’s Report: 07/13/2025 GENERAL CHECKING ACCT. #50062 MONEY MARKET ACCT. #150375 LOANS: BREMER BANK LOANS Loader Star Route Project • Issue Date 2/21/2020 2024 • Maturity Date 2/21/2029 12/05/2028 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $98,421.90 Less Checks Outstanding (To Date) $47,965.86 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $50,456.04 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $1,122,313.47 Less Designated Funds: • Growth Incentive Fund $39,531.98 • Pileated Woodpecker Trail $12,080.04 • Economic Study: $4,737.15 Total of Designated Funds $66,349.17 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $1,055,964.30 • Interest Rate 2.5% 4.2% Original Balance $433,918.28 $1,587,286.00 Last Payment Amount 6/21/2025 - $4,998.52 • Principle $4,655.88 • Interest $342.64/ 12/23/2024 - $1,123,888.35 • Principle $1,100,000.00 • Interest $23,888.65 Current Balance $154,509.54 $539,175.99 Next Payment Due 6/21/2025 = $4,998.52 12/05/2025 - $142,571.26 NOTES: Began working on the 2024-2025 snowplowing invoices. Requesting the board consider the 2025-2026 snowplowing rate by August 31, 2025. -2024-2025 - $130.00/hr. -2023-2024- $130.00/hr. -2022-2023- $125.00/hr. -2021-2022-$95.00/hr. Received State of Wisconsin General Transportation Aids in the amount of $49,861.31 and Fire Dues in the amount of $9,631.19. Chairman Hoopman recommended a snowplowing rate of $135.00/hr. He noted he would like a private contractor to take over the town’s driveway accounts, with the possible exceptions of difficult or distant driveways. At this point the town will continue to snowplow driveways. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to approve the report. Motion carried. Bayfield Area Chamber Report: Jeff Fuller- Marketing Manager for the Bayfield Chamber and Visitors Bureau gave an overview of the past year’s activities. The presentation included their marketing objectives, markets, advertising tactics, campaign themes, economic impact, and budget. Update from Bayfield Area Trails: Kate Kitchell reported that they could use some help with the trails study but overall it is progressing nicely. She also reported that a new Trails Study Coordinator was recently hired, work has been taking place along the Headwaters and Salmo Trails. She requested that the Town Board designate town contribution funds previously assigned to the Trails Study to other trail related work such as the purchase of gravel for the trails. She reported that there is enough to finish the study project without the town funds. Report from Pikes Bay Sanitary District: Kris Wegerson was present and reported that it was decided at their last meeting to transition to PBSD user charges/rates in place of a tax based financing system. Jim Bryan noted that the PBSD mill rate will drop to zero. User charges will take its place. He also stated that they intend for a bi-partisan committee to develop the system and determine the rate. It was also noted that only 35% of the plant capacity is currently being utilized. Discussion took place about when the rates would go into effect. Bryan responded that the goal is for there to be no sanitary district tax as of 2026. It was also noted that they don’t want to eliminate all rights to tax to ensure they have funds in the case of an emergency, but they don’t intend to use the right if not needed. The Joint Committee would approve any levy. OLD BUSINESS Discussion and possible action on petition submitted to the Bayfield Town Board on June 9th, 2025 by Apostle Highlands Property Owner’s Association to be removed from the Pike’s Bay Sanitary District, based on criteria outlined in WI State Statutes : Chairman Hoopman stated it is their duty as elected officials to make a decision on this petition. He reminded those present that they are all friends no matter what. He stated he would ask for a roll call vote. A vote of yes would be that it would be removed. A vote of no would be that it not be removed. He also noted that he doesn’t like running away from problems. At this time, Jerry Aerts of the Apostle Highlands Property Owner’s Association stood and reported that he was recently informed of the Pike’s Bay Sanitary District Commissioner’s proposal to make changes. He stated that if they can work out a solution and their homeowner’s association can live with it, then they will be able to accept their plan. He shared that he was withdrawi ng their pe tition. Chairman Hoopman expressed appreciation to Aerts for the decision. A motion was made by Hoopman, seconded by Boutin, to deny removal of the Apostle Highlands Property Owner’s Association. A roll call vote was taken. Motion carried. Update and possible action on request from Jerry Aerts of the Apostle Highlands Property Owner’s Association to address the legality of signs recently placed along Sunset Drive and County Hwy J by local resident : Jerry Aerts commented that this road has been an access road for 30 years. It also serves as an emergency access road. Recently, local residents bought signs to deny public access to the road. He suggested the signs are misleading to emergency service drivers. He suggested talking this through with the person th at placed the signs has proven difficult. Chairman Hoopman stated the sign placed on town property will need to be removed. Discussion and possible action on proposed revision to Resolution 2025-03: Support of the Salmo Lakewalk Trail Maintenance and Improvements- Adoption of the Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP): The resolution was presented as follows… A motion was made by Hoopman, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. Update on Pikes Creek Trail land and bridge disputes: Kate Kitchell shared that there is nothing new to report. The DNR legal team is working on the issue but not a lot of progress has occurred. Currently, they could build the trail on private property but the area from the Fish Hatchery to the Red Dam is still a problem. Hoopman stated he is trying to be respectful of the Casper family and would like to meet with everyone involved. Update and possible action on Prosperity Road signage and security proposals: Chairman Hoopman reported that the Sheriff’s Department is checking the road more often. It was suggested that a camera system along with a sign be installed. He also suggested that anyone that attempts to remove garbage from the area should be careful as there is the possibility of harmful items. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and possible action on Bayfield County’s offer to sell parcel of land along Sunset Drive to Town of Bayfield: Discussion took place about the option to purchase the property for $1,600. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Me ierotto, to purchase the parcel. Motion carried. Discussion and possible action on appointment of Plan Commission Member(s): Plan Commission Chairman Chuck Finn reported that three letters were received . The Plan Commission recommends that Nan Swift be offered the spot. A motion was made by Meierotto, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve Nan Swift as a Plan Commission member. Motion carried. Discussion and possible actio n on damage to resident’s well by town snowplow : Chairman Hoopman reported that Suzi Erickson had damage to her well cover during the 2024-2025 plowing season. He noted it states in the snowplowing contract that the town is not responsible for damage. He noted that the town should encourage all obstacles be marked clearly. Set 2025/2026 snowplowing rate: A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Erickson, to set the snowplowing rate at $135.00/hr. Motion carried. Discussion and possible action on option to apply for Enduring Lake Superior Communities Program: It was decided that the town does not have an appropriate project for this program at this point in time. Discussion and possible approval of additional 2025 -2026 Operator License Applications : Clerk Faye reported that Daryl DePerry, Matthew Gerdts, Mary Tracy-Harney, and Kevin Harney had applied for Operator Licenses after the last Town Board meeting. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Meierotto, to approve the Operator’s Licenses. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Correspondence for July 2025: Received 1. Public input letters related to the Pikes Bay Sanitary District boundaries discussion: Paula Anderson, Jerry Aerts- Apostle Highlands Property Owners Association, Charlie Jarvis- Pike’s Bay Marina. 2. Pikes Bay Sanitary District Meeting Minutes from April and May. 3. Petition from Roger Huchthausen requesting approximately 20 landowners be removed from the Pikes Bay Sanitary District. 4. Email with legal opinion from Town Attorney Max Lindsey that petition received from Roger Huchthausen does not meet the threshold to require town action. 5. Letter from Pikes Bay Sanitary District Commissioners sharing opinion that the district boundaries be expanded to include the whole township. 6. Letter from Dennis Clark announcing resignation from Town of Bayfield Plan Commission and Pikes Bay Sanitary District Board. 7. Board of Review Member Training Affidavit and Test from Robert Meierotto. 8. Request for changes to previously approved driveway application from Tommy Mackey for location on Star Route Road next to town garage. 9. Open Records Request from Harish M. K. Patel of the Sunlight Report requesting copies of all future public meeting notices, including agendas, meeting packets, and associated material; all regular, special, and emergency meetings of the governmental body; all meetings of subunits, committees, commissions, or boards under your jurisdiction; and all public notices issued under Wis. Stat. § 19.84(1). 10. Email from individual interested in obtaining any necessary permits to operate a jet-ski rental business based at Port Superior Marina. 11. Notices from Bayfield County Zoning Department: Confirmation of Reagan-McRee Approval to place shipping container on property with conditions, approval of Short- Term Rental Licenses. 12. Letter from Hilary Jewell announcing resignation from role as Bayfield Area Trails Study Coordinator. 13. Notice of grant awards for Salmo Lakewalk Trail Project: Tamarack Health, Essentia Health, Bayfield County Wellness Grant. 14. Several 2025-2026 Liquor and Operators License Applications. 15. Letter from Bayfield County Zoning stating the selection period for the Re-Zone Advisory Committee has passed but others are welcome to attend the meetings. Outgoing 1. Federal Payroll 941 Reports for End of May and Beginning of June to US Treasury. 2. WI Payoll Taxes for May to WI Department of Revenue. 3. Board of Review Training Affidavit Report for Robert Meierotto to WI Department of Revenue. 4. Authorization form authorizing Bayfield County Land Records Office to file Statement of Assessment following Board of Review. 5. Signed contract with Nordquist Appraisal for a revaluation in 2026 following by maintenance assessments in the years 2027, 2028, and 2029. 6. All public input letters on the Pikes Bay Sanitary District boundaries to the Town of Bayfield Plan Commission, Town Board, and PBSD Commissioners. 7. 2025-2026 Liquor License Application Packets. 8. Signed Purchase Orders and Invoices to Lulich Implement for delivery of mini- excavator and trailer. 9. Letter to Bayfield County Zoning requesting including Annalisa Bermel as the Town of Bayfield representative on the Re-Zone Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Erickson, to approve the correspondence. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Clerk’s Financial and Budget Report for June 2024: A motion was made by Meierotto, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the Clerk’s Report. Motion carried. Chair, Supervisor, and Committee Reports : Chairman Hoopm an reported that he has been working on obtaining a loan for the purchased mini excavator and it was discovered that the Lulich zero percent financing is not available with the municipal pricing package. After looking into the options, he believes the best route is for the town to pay for the equipment in full at this time. The funds are available. He noted that Treasurer Hoopman agreed. He wanted to make the Town Board aware that he plans to proceed with pay ing in full, but that the purchase was already approved. Set date and time for next Regular Town Board Meeting: Monday, September 8th, 2025- 6:00 PM. Adjourn: A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Meierotto, to adjourn. Motion carried. Minutes presented by: Kelly Faye, Clerk. 06/06/2025 - 07/10/2025 DISBURSEMENTS Checks written Range 22304 22342 BUDGETS vs. ACTUAL June 2025 Y-T-D Budget % of Budget Revenue 32,085$ 964,838$ 1,921,624$ 50% Expense 75,831$ 466,750$ 1,921,624$ 24% Balance (43,746)$ 498,088$