Town Board Meeting — Minutes

Regular June Town Board Meeting Minutes Monday, June 9th, 2025 Call to Order and Roll Call: The meeting was posted on June 4th, 2025 at the Bayfield Town Hall and the town website. Chairman Craig Hoopman and Supervisors Karen Boutin, Robert Meierotto, and Carol Fahrenkrog were present. Fred Erickson was excused. Clerk Kelly Faye, Treasurer Billie Hoopman, and Road Foreman Carl Butterfield were also in attendance. Chairman Hoopman called the meeting at 6:00 PM. Public Comment: 1) John Hauser commented that he believes it is unfair for those that are not being served by the Pikes Bay Sanitary District (PBSD) to keep paying taxes for it. He also stated that there may be an issue of lack of representation by those not in the Sanitary District on their Board of Directors. He asked if non -users will have to pay more in the future. He noted that the original intention was to pay for the system, not repairs. 2) Kris Wegerson- PBSD Commissioner, noted that their Board of Directors voted to expand the district at their last meeting. She commented that all benefit from the district and that it would cost more to have waste hauled to Ashland. She explained that one item was added to the levy in 2024 and if it hadn’t been for that item the levy amount would have gone down. For 20 years, everyone in the district has been paying for loan payments but 2024 was the first year they paid for some of the capital costs. 3) Roger Huchthausern asked why the PBSD fund was not able to cover the equipment replacement that went on the tax levy. He suggested they should have been trying to grow the savaing to have enough reserve to cover repairs. (Levi Leafblad replied that there is a reserve fund but it can’t be used on certain expenses.) 4) Jim Bryan- PBSD Commissioner, said there is a replacement fund that is used when possible. 5) Ted May of Bear Paw Trail said he is OK with the tax levy to protect valuable resources for the future. He does not support pulling out select properties but does support expanding the district. It would not be perfectly fair, but he supports expansion. 6) Craig Johnson of Valley Road noted that he has a septic tank and pays fee to have it pumped out. He would be in favor of a higher fee paid to the septic haulers. Items for Future Agendas: None. Discussion and possible approval of minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting of May 12th, 2025: A motion was made by Meierotto, seconded by Boutin, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Receive and Place on File Treasurer’s Report: 06/05/2025 GENERAL CHECKING ACCT. #50062 MONEY MARKET ACCT. #150375 CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $135,366.23 Less Checks Outstanding (To Date) $82,176.82 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $53,189.41 LOANS: BREMER BANK LOANS Loader Star Route Project • Issue Date 2/21/2020 2024 • Maturity Date 2/21/2029 12/05/2028 • Interest Rate 2.5% 4.2% Original Balance $433,918.28 $1,587,286.00 Last Payment Amount 5/21/2025 - $4,998.52 • Principle $4,657.22 • Interest $341.30 12/23/2024 - $1,123,888.35 • Principle $1,100,000.00 • Interest $23,888.65 Current Balance $159,165.42 $539,175.99 Next Payment Due 6/21/2025 = $4,998.52 12/05/2025 - $142,571.26 NOTES: -Followed up and processed the 1st Qtr. Room Tax Reports received after the due date. -Began working on the 2024-2025 snowplowing invoices. Requesting the board consider the 2025-2026 snowplowing rate by August 31st, 2025. The 2024-2025 rate is $130.00/hr. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Meierotto, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried. Update from Bayfield Area Trails: Kate Kitchell was in attendance via Zoom. She gave a brief update reporting the following: 1) Hilary Jewell stepped down as the Trail Study Coordinator so they hiring another individual for the role. 2) Grants have been approved for the Salmo Trail improvements totaling $15,000. $1,500 was also received from the Madeline Island Marathon. 3) The DNR has completed the purchase of the Pikes Creek Trail property but there has not yet been progress in the road access issue. The DNR Realty and Legal team is working on it right now. She wants to continue working toward a foot path on DNR land. Chairman Hoopman stated he has not heard from Anderson Bridges. He noted that he wants to meet with the DNR and the Casper Family in person at the site. He wants to be respectful of the family before taking any action. CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE $1,100,415.48 Less Designated Funds: • Growth Incentive Fund $39,489.01 • Pileated Woodpecker Trail $12,080.04 • Economic Study: $4,801.20 Total of Designated Funds $56,370.25 CURRENT AVAILABLE BALANCE $1,044,045.23 Report from Pikes Bay Sanitary District: Jim Bryan stated that they have a lot of work coming up and need help finding a new Commissioner. Chairman Hoopman requested that the Town Board be provided with a monthly financial report. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of the option to change the boundaries of the Pikes Bay Sanitary District: Plan Commission Chairman Finn was present and reported that the Plan Commission, at their June meeting, voted to recommend that the Town Board extend the Pike’s Bay Sanitary District boundaries to the entire town. It was suggested that it is unfair to select certain properties to be included. He also noted that the PBSD Board of Directors should include Commissioners better proportional or representative of those who are included in the district; and a two -tier system should be developed depending on whether a resident i s paying for their own septic system or holding tank. Chairman Hoopman stated this is the toughest issue he has dealt with since becoming Town Chairman. He noted that everyone want s to keep the lake clean. Discussion took place about who is considered a “user” and what the original intention of the agreement was. He stated that he plans to reach out to the WI Town’s Association for any legal information about how best to address this situation , as far as what the town can and can’t do. Finn mentioned t hat the Ashwabay Alliance is struggling with septic issues and hearing that Pike’s Bay Sanitary District Lines will not expand is difficult. Levi Leafblad - PBSD Commissioner, explained that it is true that there are no current plans to expand but PBSD has paid engineers to provide information on how different areas of the town could be added to the system. The topography is unusual and it can be difficult to pay for expansions. There is also sometime resistance from local residents. He suggested the low hanging fruit has been looked into but ruled out. Chairman Hoopman stated that there must be grant money available for projects. Leafblad responded that it is difficult to obtain grants even for dense housing areas. Jon Hauser stated that residents of the “Settlement” area of the township should be represented and notified before votes affecting them. Michael Mucha- PBSD Commissioner, stated that the service area and rate structure are two different things. Having a n expanded service area allows for f lexibility when needed but shrinking it is limiting. He suggested PBSD and the Town Board could work together to develop a new rate structure that works. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and recommendation to Bayfield County Zoning on Conditional Use Permit Application (after -the-fact) from Brian and Nancy Siska for a second residence (garage apartment) on 10-acres, zoned Ag-1, located at 86890 Oak Ridge Heights, Tax ID #6096: Plan Commission Chairman Finn reported that the Plan Commission recommends that the Town Board recommend that the Bayfield County Zoning Department approve the application with the condition that the apartment not be allowed to be used as a Short -Term Rental. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Meierotto, to recommend approval with the condition stated above. Motion carried. (Note: Please refer to the Bayfield County Zoning Department Permit issued for inclusion/exclusion of any conditions). Discussion 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 was present at the meeting. He stated that a test on whether the fire truck can use Sunset Drive as an emergency access road and it can. Discussion took place about the signs that include wording such as Private Road, Dead End, and No Trespassing. Aerts requested Town of Bayfield Road Crew to remove the sign on County Highway J as placing a sign there is not legal. He stated that he is also planning to work with the individual that placed the signs on Sunset Drive about changing the wording of any sign that stays. Chairman Hoopman stated that Sunset Drive is not a town road as the town was not given the needed easements to make it one. It is however on town property. Plan Commissioner Robert Feyen stated the problem lies in who wants to maintain the road. Hoopman added that if the township plows or brings in gravel to maintain the road, it still would not get any gas tax for it. Discussion and possible action on appointment of Plan Commissioner: Discussion took place about town residents that may be interested in serving on the Plan Commission but have declined doing so at this time. It was decided that an ad would be posted notifying the public of the need for a new Commissioner to complete the current term. Discussion and possible action on appointment of Pikes Bay Sanitary District Commissioners (2): Several PBSD Commissioners were in attendance. It was reported that the recent letter from Commissioner Michael Mucha announcing his resignation was refused by the other Commissioners. They requested the Town Board reappoint Mucha for this position. Cha irman Hoopman offered Mucha the position back and Mucha agreed. Discussion and possible approval of 2025-2026 Liquor and Operator License Applications: Clerk Faye read through the list of applications up for consideration as follows… 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. A motion was made by Hoopman, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. Apostle Highlands, Inc, DBA Apostle Highlands Golf Course, William DePerry-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License for the pavilion, clubhouse bar, storage room, patio, deck, and golf course, located at 34725 Madeline Tr, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Boutin, to approve. Motion carried. Ashwabay Alliance Inc (Site 1), Holly Pierce-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License for the storage area, walk -in refrigerator, stand refrigerators, chalet building from the café/bar counter, outside bar and café (two tents and grounds) located at 32525 Ski Hill Road, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve. Motion carried. Ashwabay Alliance, LLC (Site 2), Terry Matier-Agent, for a Class B Beer and a Class B Liquor License for their Backstage event and kitchen space, building that houses performance area, kitchen, gift shop and administration office at 84810 Highway 13, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. Bayfield Apple Company, LLC, Karra Prudhomme-Agent, for a Class A Beer and Class A Liquor License for their orchard store, located at 87540 County Hwy J, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve. Motion carried. Erickson Orchard and Country Store LLC, Frederick Erickson -Agent, for a Class A Liquor and Class A Cider License for their country store, festival tent area, and walk -in cooler, located at 86600 Betzold Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Hoopman, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. (Erickson Absent) Goldridge Group of Bayfield, DBA Pike’s Creek Marina Inc, Drew Stalnaker -Agent, for a Class A Beer License for their dock ship store, located at 84190 Pikes Bay Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve. Motion carried. Perri Campbell, DBA Hillcrest Orchards, Perri Campbell-Agent, for a Class A Liquor and Class A Cider License for the 24x64 storefront and storage area located at 35025 County Hwy I, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve. Motion carried. Port Superior Marina Association, DBA Portside Bar and Restaurant, Kara Nelis-Agent, for a Class B Beer and a Class B Liquor License for the second floor of restaurant building, clubhouse, admin office, ship store, pool area, all levels of deck, docks, restaurant dining area, bar area, and storage area located at 34475 Port Superior Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. Superior Living Arts, LLC, DBA Wild Rice Retreat, Heidi Zimmer-Agent, for a Class B Beer and Class C Wine License for their main retreat center building including lobby, dining room, two large decks areas, and bar located at 84860 Old San Road, Bayfield, WI 54814. A motion was made by Fahrenkrog, seconded by Meierotto, to approve. Motion carried. Note: Due to a recent law change, Pikes Creek Winery, Apfelhaus Cider, and Bayfield Winery are now licensed through the State of Wisconsin. The Operator’s License Applications to be considered were presented as follows… Adventure Club Brewing Waiting for Applications Apostle Highlands William DePerry Robert Brasch Scotlyn Krueger Ashwabay Alliance Holly Pierce Zoe Blackman Bayfield Apple Co. Karra Prudhomme Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider Philip Bratsch Erickson Orchards Kenneth Nourse Cynthia Nourse Beth Erickson Hauser’s Superior View Farm/Apfelhaus Cidery James F. Hauser, Jr. Rebecca Robinson Samuel Miller Dane Hauser Emma Hauser Mary Hauser Joseph Wise Lydia Hauser Hayley Webster Ellen Russo Hilcrest Orchard Perri Campbell Pikes Bay Marina Drew Stalnaker Pikes Creek Winery Jonathan Dale Mari Hashimoto Portside Bar and Restaurant Kara Lund Hilcrest Orchard Perri Campbell Wild Rice Retreat Nick Lunde Zoe Jurewicz Cristina Lien Rose Hayes-Dineen A motion was made by Hoopman, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the applications contingent on the applicants passing a background check. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Correspondence for June 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 Meierotto, seconded by Boutin, to approve the correspondence. Motion carried. Receive and place on file the Clerk’s Financial and Budget Report for May 2024: A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Fahrenkrog, to approve the report. Motion carried. Chair, Supervisor, and Committee Reports: Chairman Hoopman reported the town now has the new excavator. He stated that having it will help with the 10-year road plan. It will also allow the three full-time road crew members to complete projects that would be contracted in the past. Set date and time for Regular July Town Board Meeting: Monday, July 14th, 2025. Adjourn: A motion was made by Boutin, seconded by Meierotto, to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. Minutes respectfully submitted by Kelly Faye, Clerk. TOWN OF BAYFIELD CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT 05/06/2025 - 06/05/2025 DISBURSEMENTS Checks written $98,433.27 Range 22279 22303 BUDGETS vs. ACTUAL May 2025 Y-T-D Budget % of Budget Revenue 22,028$ 932,753$ 1,921,624$ 49% Expense 49,211$ 391,395$ 1,921,624$ 20% Balance (27,183)$ 541,358$