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Page 1 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 MINUTES BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING June 18, 2026 1. Call to Order of Public Hearing: Chairman Ray called the public hearing to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call: Charly Ray (Chairman), Jeff Holte (Vice Chair), James Crandall, Fred Strand, and Jamie Tucker – all present. Others present: Ruth Hulstrom (Director), Kelly Westlund (Deputy County Administrator), and Michelle Kainz (Office Manager) 3. Affidavit of Publication: Hulstrom showed the audience the affidavit of publication from Ashland Daily Press, published 6/4/2026 and 6/11/2026. 4. Review of Meeting Format – Chairman Ray explained the procedure of the meeting. He asked everyone who wished to speak to fill out a form and asked them to come forward and speak into the microphone. 5. Public Comment – 3 minutes per citizen – no one spoke in public comment. 6. Public Hearing: A. Richard Tutewohl, owner, requests a conditional use permit (in a shoreland zone w/wetlands) to place a 20’ x 8’ shipping container. Property is in a Residential -1 (R-1) zoning district; a 3.77 -acre parcel (Tax ID# 19633), described as Allison’s Acres Lot 6 in DOC 2021R -586514 in Section 21, Township 47 North, Range 8 West, Town of Iron River, Bayfield County, WI. Ray asked if anyone wished to speak in support of the request. No one spoke. Ray asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition. No one spoke. B. Heinicke Family Trust DTD 5/6/2025 (Joseph & MaryAnn Heinicke), owners, are petitioning for a zoning district map amendment (in a shoreland w/wetlands). Parcel #1 is a 0.748-acre parcel (Tax ID #1639) described as PAR IN LOT 3 DESC IN DOC 2025R -607406; Parcel #2 is a 0.813 acre parcel (Tax ID #1640) described as PAR IN LOT 3 D ESC IN DOC 2025R -607406; Parcel #3 is a 0.023-acre parcel (Tax ID #1652) described as A TRIANGULAR PAR IN LOT 3 DESC IN DOC 2025R-607406; all parcels in Section 8, Township 44 North, Range 9 West, Town of Barnes, Bayfield County, WI, from Commercial (C) to Residential-1 (R-1). Joseph and MaryAnn Heinicke spoke on behalf of the request. They are seeking a rezone to allow for ease in making residential improvements in a residential versus commercial zoning district. Ray asked three times if anyone else wished to speak in support. No one spoke. Ray asked three times if anyone wished to speak in opposition. No one spoke. Discussion ended. C. JRT Property Management LLC, owner and Tim Clark, agent request a conditional use permit (in a shoreland zone) to construct and operate a 50 -site campground. Property is comprised of four parcels, all located in a Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB) zoning district. Combined parcels Page 2 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 total 18.38 acres (Tax ID’s 39048, 39049, 39050 & 39051), described as Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4 of CSM 2283 LOC IN S ½ of SW SW in DOC 2025R -610446 EXC ROW, in Section 4, Township 51 North, Range 4 West, Town of Russell, Bayfield County, WI. Ray asked if anyone wished to speak in support of the request. Tim Clark, Town of Iron River and property owner in Town of Russell, spoke on behalf of the request. Cited tax revenue generation by campgrounds through tourism dollars. Stated comprehensive plan specifies economic diversification, sustainability, diversification and protecting land and water resources. Ray asked if anyone else wished to speak in support. No one spoke. Ray asked if anyone else wished to speak in opposition. Brianna Bailey, Town of Russell and neighbor within 300 feet of proposed campground, spoke in opposition. Yvonne Cox, Town of Russell, spoke in opposition. Tom Galazen, Town of Bayfield, spoke in opposition. Jessica Waclawski, Town of Russell, spoke in opposition. Megan Weeden, Town of Russell, requested to speak in support of the request. The committee approved suspending its normal procedure to allow the individual to speak in support. Ray asked if anyone else wished to speak in opposition. No one spoke. Discussion ended. 7. Adjournment of Public Hearing The public hearing was adjourned at 4:25 p.m. Following adjournment of the public hearing, Jessica Waclawski expressed concerns about Town of Russell procedures. 8. Call to Order of Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting: Chairman Ray called the meeting to order at 4:26 p.m. 9. Roll Call: Charly Ray (Chairman), Jeff Holte (Vice Chair), James Crandall, Fred Strand, and Jamie Tucker – all present. Others present: Ruth Hulstrom (Director), Kelly Westlund (Deputy County Administrator), and Michelle Kainz (Office Manager) 10. New Business A. Richard Tutewohl, owner, requests a conditional use permit (in a shoreland zone w/wetlands) to place a 20’ x 8’ shipping container. Property is in a Residential -1 (R-1) zoning district; a 3.77 -acre parcel (Tax ID# 19633), described as Allison’s Acres Lot 6 in DOC 2021R -586514 in Section 21, Township 47 North, Range 8 West, Town of Iron River, Bayfield County, WI. Page 3 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 File Report : Hulstrom noted that n o additional correspondence was received. Town Board recommendation was received and they were in favor of approval. Crandall motion to approve conditional use permit for a shipping container on Tax ID 19633 based on Town Board recommendation and county zoning ordinance , with the following conditions: - An opaque vegetation screen is maintained to completely screen the shipping container from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties - The shipping container is painted and maintained an earth tone color to blend into natural wooded surroundings Seconded by Tucker. Motion carried, 5-0. B. Heinicke Family Trust DTD 5/6/2025 (Joseph & MaryAnn Heinicke), owners, are petitioning for a zoning district map amendment (in a shoreland w/wetlands). Parcel #1 is a 0.748-acre parcel (Tax ID #1639) described as PAR IN LOT 3 DESC IN DOC 2025R-607406; Parcel #2 is a 0.813 acre parcel (Tax ID #1640) described as PAR IN LOT 3 DESC IN DOC 2025R-607406; Parcel #3 is a 0.023-acre parcel (Tax ID #1652) described as A TRIANGULAR PAR IN LOT 3 DESC IN DOC 2025R -607406; all parcels in Section 8, Township 44 North, Range 9 West, Town of Barnes, Bayfield County, WI, from Commercial (C) to Residential-1 (R-1). File Report: Hulstrom informed the committee that Town Board recommendation was received and they see no issues. Strand motion to forward to the County Board with a recommendation for approval based on county zoning ordinance and Town Board recommendation. Seconded by Holte. Motion carried, 5-0. C. JRT Property Management LLC, owner and Tim Clark, agent request a conditional use permit (in a shoreland zone) to construct and operate a 50 -site campground. Property is comprised of four parcels, all located in a Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB) zoning district. Combined parcels total 18.38 acres (Tax ID’s 39048, 39049, 39050 & 39051), described as Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4 of CSM 2283 LOC IN S ½ of SW SW in DOC 2025R-610446 EXC ROW, in Section 4, Township 51 North, Range 4 West, Town of Russell, Bayfield County, WI. File Report: Hulstrom informed the committee that an additional letter was received from the Town of Russell regarding what restrictions can be placed on Old County Road K, which she read into the record at Town of Russell’s request. Hulstrom provided a broad overview of the site for the public. Zoning for these parcels is Residential- Recreational Business (R-RB), proposed to be located on 4 tax parcels , approximately 18.38 acres with no mapped floodplains or wetlands . An opaque screen must be provided per Bayfield County Ordinance Section 13-1-28. Due to navigable intermittent stream, a 75-foot setback would apply. Also noted that JRT property alone could be subdivided into 26 separate lots per allowable acreage in R- RB zoning district. Crandall questioned soil report results cited during public comment . Hulstrom confirmed that s oil report is submitted by a certified soil test er and s anitary application is submitted by a licensed plumber. The department reviews and signs off on both applications, and those reviewers in our office are also credentialed. Questioned if Tim Clark did the soil evaluation and whether that is a conflict of interest. Crandall moved to suspend rules of order to allow Tim Clark to speak. Seconded by Holte. Motion carried, 5-0. Page 4 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 Clark confirmed that he completed the soil evaluation, and that there is no benefit to an incomplete soil evaluation in this case or in any case . Though a mound could be placed per that evaluation, he would like to wait 2 to 3 years, utilizing holding tanks as the proposal states, to see what the actual water usage of the campground is. At this time three potential mound sites have been identified and would be further tested in the future. Ray clarified that the current permit request is not for a mound system, but future installation of a mound system is a potential long-term option. Strand questioned the process of the Town Board meeting, as narrative stated that Town Board considered this item at their June 9 th meeting, but the current application was not included in the meeting packet. Hulstrom confirmed that the town did not have the correct application included in their meeting packet at the time of their regular June 9th meeting where the Town Board recommended approval. Due to the packet error, the town held a special meeting on June 16 th and the town recommended approval. Hulstrom stated that with open meetings law, the agenda must be posted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the meeting. However, the process that was followed by the Town of Russell is not clear. A member of the public requested a motion to suspend the rules to clarify what they believed was the town’s process. Holte suggested this clarification was best received from the Town of Russell. Strand moved to postpone this item to the July 16, 2026 meeting to give the town time to properly post and consider the new application at its regularly scheduled July 2026 meeting; and to give the Zoning Department the opportunity to re -notice the request due to concerns that the Town did not properly post the revised application for its regularly scheduled meeting on June 9th. Seconded by Holte. Strand stated that even if it is learned that the town properly provided the 24-hour public notice, it could minimize public opportunity to provide input. Crandall agrees. Motion carried, 5-0. D. Kyle & Jordan Nelson, owners (Iron River) – [Special Use/Classification: Child Care Center & Play School] – Expansion of child care center from 12 to 25 children in a Residential-1 (R-1) zoning district on Tax ID 39273 Hulstrom shared that Town of Iron River recommended approval. The prior max capacity for the childcare center was 12 children, and applicants are requesting an increase to 25 children to accommodate growing families and provide after-school and summer care. Holte moved to approve the Special Use Permit B for operating a licensed childcare center on Tax ID 39273 with the following conditions: • Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday • Capacity is a maximum of 25 children, including the owner/operator’s children. Seconded by Tucker. Motion carried, 5-0. E. Gregory & Christine Carrier and Jeffrey & Chelsey Simon, owners and Patrick McKuen/Pine Ridge Land Surveying, agent (Iron River) – [Subdivision Plat/Land Division] – One-lot Certified Survey Map (CSM) review and approval per Wisconsin State Statute 236.34(dm), which requires CSM to be reviewed and approved in the same manner as a subdivision plat in a Residential-1 (R- 1) zoning district on Tax ID’s 20205, 20204, and 20244 Hulstrom shared that Iron River T own Board recommended approval. Ray questioned why a landowner would combine lots to make one parcel. Hulstrom explained that in order to build over the Page 5 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 top of these internal lot lines, it could be beneficial to combine the three legally separate lots into a singular lot through a Certified Survey Map, but because there is a section that is part of a different subdivision plat, they must go through the same process as a subdivision plat. But Hulstrom indicated that she did not know the exact reasoning as to why the applicant was combining their lots. Crandall moved to suspend rules of order to allow Greg Carrier to speak. Seconded by Holte. Motion carried, 5-0. Carrier explained they own the three separate lots. In the process of combining, the two different subdivisions were identified. Hulstrom clarified that this extra layer of approval is required per State requirements and not Bayfield County ordinance. Crandall moved to approve Certified Survey Map for Tax ID parcels 20204, 20205, and 20244 based on town recommendation and that the certified survey map will make the lot less substandard than its current configuration. Seconded by Strand. Motion carried, 5-0. 11. Other Business A. Minutes of Previous Meeting Tucker moved to approve minutes from May 21, 2026, meeting. Seconded by Holte. Motion carried, 5-0. B. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Comprehensive Zoning Code Rewrite i. Campgrounds Hulstrom explained that the campground draft includes comparisons from Marathon County, Door County, and two other counties. The committee discussed the possibility of adding a campground zoning district similar to Burnett County’s example, for which if an application was submitted for a certain number of units, i.e., 50, it would require a rezone request to the campground district. These requests would automatically have more town authority due to rezone process . If that were to be approved, the conditional use permit application would move forward. Strand stressed the importance of consideration of neighboring parcels and including something in the code to help avoid, for example, multiple 50 -unit campgrounds adjacent to each other; Hulstrom encourage consultation with legal counsel prior to including such language. Strand questioned if it would be appropriate to have campgrounds with 1-5 units be processed as a Class A permit. Hulstrom noted that surrounding properties would not be aware of potential for increased usage on a site with a Class A , which may create some negative impacts, and trying to mitigate those impacts is important. The committee overall supported a process that makes things easier and simpler for these smaller projects and also supports higher density usage as opposed to “campground sprawl,” which would affect more acreage. Crandall stated that the town could consider the increased usage and its impacts in its recommendation. The committee generally supported maintaining a campground density standard of 10 campsites per acre and discussed the possibility of allowing smaller campgrounds through a Class A permit process. The committee reviewed how "camping units" should be defined within the ordinance. Staff noted that camping units could include yurts, camping cabins, bunkhouses, motor home, etc., Page 6 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 and the need for clearer definitions throughout the ordinance was noted. Discussion focused on distinguishing permanent structures, such as yurts and camping cabins, from transient camping units like recreational vehicles ( RVs) and camper trailers. Permanent structures would require land use permits and, in some cases, Uniform Dwelling Code compliance, requiring different regulations than RV -based campsites. Hulstrom clarified that proposed restrictions on porches, lean -tos, and additions attached to camping units were intended to address RV sites where structures are being built around or attached to recreational vehicles. The restrictions were not intended to apply t o permitted campground cabins, yurts, or other permanent structures. The committee expressed concern about seasonal campgrounds where RVs are enclosed by permanent additions, citing potential crowding and public safety issues. Hulstrom introduced the concept of a seasonal special event campground permit, modeled after another county's ordinance. The committee viewed the approach favorably because it could provide a simpler regulatory process for low-intensity, limited-duration campground uses without requiring the same level of review as a full conditional use permit. Proposed seasonal special event campground regulations would include basic operational standards, such as limits on the number of events and days of operation, while allowing staff to issue permits administratively when the standards are met. Ray emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of terminology throughout the ordinance to ensure consistency. They recommended either simplifying provisions, such as prohibiting campsite subleasing generally, or clearly defining terms such as campsites, camping units, recreational vehicles, camping trailers, and camping cabins so that regulations are applied consistently. Tucker departed at 5:37 p.m. C. Budget 2027 i. Department staff restructuring Hulstrom shared that the d epartment is stabilizing in terms of staffing, so we are in a good position to evaluate long-term departmental needs, and the committee’s input is being sought. First, the department is proposing a deputy administrator/zoning supervisor that would step in for the director as needed, reviewing more complex permit applications and land division review, providing technical guidance for questions from other office staff , and direct support field inspectors. A smaller zoning district would be assigned to this person , and the position would be replacing a current Assistant Zoning Administrator (AZA) but would be a higher pay grade as it is a supervisory role. The second position is code enforcement specialist, which would be a repurpose of the existing full-time Clerk I position into a higher -level code enforcement/compliance position that would fall between a Clerk and an AZA in pay and responsibility. Unlike AZA’s, the new position would not require speciali zed soil testing and POWTS certifications. With priority of timely permit processing by AZAs, code enforcement is not being properly addressed, and items are being prioritized based on how egregious the complaint or violation is. Westlund shared that the L and Records department pulled GIS records, which shows thousands of structures with zero -dollar improvement on their tax record. Hulstrom emphasized that code enforcement requires significantly more time than processing permits, often four to ten times more, and that proactive enforcement encourages compliance, protects natural resources, ensures tax equity, and promotes fairness among property owners. The Page 7 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 dedicated compliance position would also relieve AZAs of many enforcement-related duties, allowing them to focus more on permit review and customer service. To maintain front office operations, the department proposed adding a year -round half-time Clerk position to replace the administrative support lost through the restructuring. Hulstrom expressed concern that relying on seasonal employees would result in continual training and reduced customer service because zoning regulations are complex and require experienced front desk staff to effectively assist the public. Committee members expressed strong support for the restructuring. They agreed that code enforcement had previously been deprioritized in favor of improving permit turnaround times but acknowledged that enforcement remains essential for fairness, tax equity , and protecting neighboring properties and natural resources. Members also supported creating a dedicated compliance position to reduce the workload on AZAs and discussed the position as a potential career pathway within the department, while recognizing that it would appropriately be classified below the AZA position due to differing certification requirements. Ray noted that that we will have more support at the County Board level if it can be done without a net increase in staffing and commented that permit number fluctuations may warrant reevaluation of the Clerk I position. Hulstrom also noted that our Short-Term Rental Specialist position will be shifting from 50% zoning, 50 % public health to 40% zoning department and 60% public health department as her public health responsibilities are increasing. ii. Office Remodeling Hulstrom presented an overview of a proposed office remodel as part of future budget planning. The project was intended to address several long -standing operational challenges, including inefficient workspace configurations, limited work areas, inadequate private space for confidential conversations, poor lighting and acoustics, and underutilization of the buildin g's lower level. As paper records continue to be digitized, the department anticipates repurposing the lower level into functional office space. The County has secured C&S Design to provide design services for the project. While $15,000 was budgeted for initial design work, the preliminary estimate is approximately $19,000, although the department hopes to reduce that cost by completing some prepar atory work internally. Based on initial conceptual discussions, the total renovation is roughly estimated to cost between $310,000 and $325,000, with the possibility of completing the project in phases over multiple budget years. C&S indicated that preliminary design concepts should be available within approximately 60 days, allowing for a more accurate cost estimate before the county's mid -August budget discussions. The remaining design-related services, including bid preparation and construction administration, would be included in the overall project cost. Crandall indicated concern with C&S design work completed related to the offices that were created in the basement of the courthouse , i.e., narrow hallways and no windows. Westlund indicated that design process is intended to be collaborative, taking into account employee workflow, space needs, and the building's historic preservation constraints while developing the renovation plans. D. Committee Members discussion(s) regarding matters of the Planning and Zoning Department Page 8 of 8 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – June 18, 2026 Crandall received a letter from Fred Scheer regarding how we discussed roads and subdivisions in the code rewrite and is wondering when that section will be released . Hulstrom stated that due to many moving pieces, including an upcoming event surrounding data centers, our current analysis of A-1 and F -1 districts, and incorporating additional staff and committee input, it may be worthwhile extending the release date of when next set of the codes will be released to mid-August. She also shared that the committee members can look at any or all parts of rewrite at any time, suggesting that a special meeting be scheduled to review some topics more in depth. Ray reiterated the idea of having a code that is flexible and addresses large land uses rather than separate codes for large industrial, i.e., large retail, data centers, solar farms, etc. Hulstrom stated there are significant impacts related to data center development that the county would want to consider and address that are unique to that type of development. Westlund reminded the committee of the data center presentation being held on July 28th for Ashland County Board in the morning, Bayfield County Board in the evening, and in the afternoon for the public at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, as well as possibly providing an additional presentation on the evening of Monday, July 27th. E. Monthly Report / Budget and Revenue Hulstrom clarified that the short-term rentals from March-forward are new short -term rentals, and those from January/February are primarily backlog from the ordinance update. As far as revenues, we were at 37% of budget fulfillment at this point in 2025, and we are at 25% fulfillment of revenue to date. 12. Adjournment Ray called adjournment at 6:17 p.m. Prepared by MDK on 6/29/26; given to REH on 6/29/26 Reviewed by REH on 7/1/2026 Sent to PZC on 7/2/2026 Uploaded to Teams on 7/2/2026 Final Approval on 7/16/2026 cc: (after final approval)- (8) Supervisors, Cty Admin, Clerk, DNR, Web k/zc/minutes/2026/6 June PZ Committee Minutes