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1 Bayfield County Clerk Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk Jeran Delaine Deputy Clerk Erin Tibbits Clerk II Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891 MINUTES County Board 2027 Budget Planning Meeting and Monthly Meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors May 26, 2026 Meeting held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI Call to Order: The County Board 2027 Budget Planning Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by County Board Chair, Jan Lee. Roll Call was taken by County Clerk, Lynn Divine, as follows: Steve Sandstrom - absent; Jamie Tucker - present; Larry Fickbohm - absent; Charly Ray -present; Lee – Present; Jeff Olsen- present; Dennis Pocernich – present; Fred Strand – present; Jeff Holte - present; Marty Milanowski - present; Jackie Roguski – absent; Jim Crandall - present; Sue Rosa – present. Present -10; Absent -3. A quorum was present to conduct business. Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator; Kelly Westlund, Deputy Administrator; Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk; Erin Tibbits, Clerk II; Emma Grove, Clerk of Court. Welcome and budget meeting introduction was given by Lee. Jackie Roguski arrived at 4:03 p.m. Larry Fickbohm arrived at 4:15 p.m. Mark Abeles-Allison gave a presentation regarding County Board priorities and policies to help guide the budget process. Steve Sandstrom arrived at 5:08 p.m. Kelly Westlund conducted an interactive survey via Menti.com with board members. The survey’s purpose was to help provide direction for the beginning stages of budget planning. County board members asked questions and discussed 2027 budget planning. Clerk of Court Emma Grove introduced herself and invited board members to attend a jury trial scheduled for May 27th and 28th to learn more about the duties of the Clerk of Court office. Sandstrom made a motion to adjourn the Budget Planning Meeting, seconded by Holte. Motion carried, Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0 Adjournment: Lee adjourned the 2027 Budget Planning meeting at 5:40 p.m. 2 Call to Order: The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairperson, Jan Lee. Roll Call was taken by County Clerk, Lynn Divine, as follows: Steve Sandstrom - present; Jamie Tucker - present; Larry Fickbohm - present; Charly Ray -present; Lee – Present; Jeff Olsen - present; Dennis Pocernich – present; Fred Strand – present; Jeff Holte - present; Marty Milanowski – present; Jackie Roguski – present; Jim Crandall - present; Sue Rosa – present. Present -13; Absent -0. A quorum was present to conduct business. Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator; Kelly Westlund, Deputy Administrator; Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk; Erin Tibbits, Clerk II; Tom Croteau, Marianne Johnson and Bryna Watters-Moffitt, Human Services Dept.; Nicole Solheim, Cinnaire Development; Sam Bach-Hanson and Ben Ludeman, Weld-Riley Law Firm; Ryan Zieman and Meagan Quaderer, Emergency Management; Mary Pardee, UW Extension; and other members of the public. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval of April 21, 2026, Minutes: Milanowski made a motion to approve the April 21, 2026, meeting Minutes, seconded by Ray. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Public Comment: Brian Jacobson-City of Washburn concerned about AI data center development in Bayfield County. John Hopkins-City of Washburn concerned about AI data center development in Bayfield County. Bill Strips-City of Washburn wants an ordinance that outlaws non-disclosure agreements and requires public votes for projects such as the development of an AI data center in Bayfield County. Brian Jacobson-City of Washburn asked if there has been any discussion on the County level regarding AI data center development in Bayfield County. Abeles-Allison stated that Public Comment is for comments only and no questions are answered by board members or county staff at that time. Abeles-Allison stated he would call Brian to answer his question. Resolution 2026-40, Recognizing AARP Volunteer Tax Program and its Dedicated Volunteers for their Exceptional Service to Bayfield County and the Region: Abeles-Allison spoke and asked six senior tax preparers to come to the podium to be recognized. ARDC elder benefit specialist Marianne Johnson, Human Services Director Tom Croteau, and ARDC Service Manager Brynna Watters-Moffitt came to the podium as well. Marianne Johnson spoke about the program and how important it is to the community. Jim Baemmert spoke about his 24 years working as a volunteer in the AARP Tax Program and had the five other senior tax preparers introduce themselves. Crandall presented Baemmert with the key to Bayfield County. Crandall made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-40, seconded by Olsen. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-41, Recognition and Appreciation of Nicole Solheim, Cinnaire, Senior Vice President of Development: Westlund thanked Solheim for her hard work and dedication to Aurora Place Housing Development Project. Solheim appeared remotely and thanked Bayfield County for collaboration on the project. Strand made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-41, seconded by Ray. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. 3 Bayfield County Resolution 2026-42, Recognizing May as National Affordable Housing Month in Bayfield County. Westlund introduced the resolution. Crandall made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-42, seconded by Milanowski. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-43, Recognizing June as Pride Month in Bayfield County: Strand made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-43, seconded by Sandstrom. Motion carried. Yes- 13; No-0; Absent-0. Bayfield County Corporation Counsel RFP: Attorneys Sam Bach-Hanson and Ben Ludeman with Weld-Riley gave a presentation regarding the Bayfield County Corporation Counsel position. Each attorney introduced himself and provided his background, and educational and legal experience. Weld-Riley is a full-service law firm with five locations and 30 attorneys. Board members asked questions regarding the firm’s experience with zoning code rewrites, cost-recovery ordinances, the firm’s fee schedule, available hours, tribal law, and animal rights. Emergency Management Presentation and Countywide EMS Update: Brian Zieman, Bayfield County EMS Coordinator, gave an update on the county-wide EMS services and the concerns on its staffing struggles. The result of ideas from intense training over the past year, a forum that was held in April of 2026, input from the volunteers and suggestions of the Executive and Sheriff Committees, it was determined many options have not yet been explored. It was decided that getting options through and RFP is the best option. Zieman and Westlund will prepare the RFP and have it ready to go by June 1st. The goal is to review the RFP’s and to make the final choices by the August board meeting so that everything can be included in the final 2027 budget. Quaderer, appeared remotely and spoke about the RFP process allowing a cost comparison of different agencies. Zieman and Quaderer answered questions from board members. Abeles-Allison stated that the County Board will be kept informed on each step in the RFP process. UW Extension 2025 Annual Report: Pardee presented the annual report, highlighting five main topics; Support for Aging Communities, Youth & Family Programs, Community Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Infrastructure & Clean Sweep Event and Organizational Resilience & Staff Transitions. Board members discussed the impact of UW Extension on local housing initiatives, emerging crop programs, library strategic planning, and the progress of the hazelnut program. Pardee also gave clarification on the Bayfield County Caregiver’s Cooperative and its timeline. Appointments to Board of Adjustment: Lee nominated: a. Shari Eggleson as a reappointment from the Town of Bayview for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 b. Adrian Wydeven, as a reappointment from the Town of Namakagon, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 c. Christine Liebhauser from the Town of Grand View, as a new alternate for the term beginning May 27, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Ray made a motion to approve the three appointments to the Board of Adjustment, seconded by Holte. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Consent Agenda: a. Discussion and Possible Action Public Safety Cost Recovery Ordinance 4 b. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-44, 2026 Housing Development Fellowship (WEDC) Budget Amendment and Contract approval. c. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Wage Compensation Plan Amendment d. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-45 Amendment to Carry 2025 Budgeted Funds for CheqBUILT to the 2026 Budget e. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-46, Reproductive Health Family Planning Program Dual Protection Grant f. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-47, Health Department Budget Amendment g. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-48, 2026 Crisis Intervention Grant Budget Amendment h. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Bayfield County Resolution 2026-49, Hazelnut Accelerator (SCBG) Grant Budget Amendment Ray made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Crandall. Olsen requested discussion on wording of the Public Safety Cost Recovery Ordinance. Olsen made a motion to amend and pull-out item a, Public Safety Cost Recovery Ordinance for discussion. Pocernich recommended the floor be opened for further discussion and he would like to discuss another item on the Consent Agenda. Olsen discussed further clarification of the wording of the Public Cost Recovery Ordinance. Board members discussed fees and deposit costs. Abeles-Allison spoke on the urgency to get this ordinance passed and that it can always be amended in the future. Tucker questioned if the ordinance could be adopted, as it is not numbered, and whether it should have been part of the Consent Agenda. Board members further discussed ordinance questions and concerns. Pocernich stated that Olsen made a motion to remove Public Safety Cost Recovery Ordinance and they are waiting for a second. Pocernich seconded the motion. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Pocernich requested further discussion on Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-44, pertaining to the 2026 Housing Development Fellowship (WEDC) Budget Amendment and Contract approval. He noted that the Resolution indicated the contract start date with WEDC was May 1, 2026, and asked whether a candidate had already been hired for the Fellowship position. Westlund responded by clarifying that although the official grant term began on May 1, 2026, no agreement with the Fellow would be signed until the County Board approved both the budget amendment and the contract. Westlund added that, in the interim, WEDC collaborated with Bayfield County to select a candidate who could begin work once the Board granted approval. Pocernich then sought confirmation that the 12-month, grant-funded position would not be extended and would incur no cost to the County. Abeles-Allison confirmed this was correct. 5 Abeles-Allison discussed the Wage Compensation Plan Amendment. The Personnel and Executive Committees have approved a structural change to the recently adopted Wage Compensation Study. Cost implication is approximately $44,000 in 2026, proposed for implementation retroactive to January 1st. It provides for step increases where a grade change occurred if the previous wage grade and step was higher. Roll call vote to approve Consent Agenda: Sandstrom-Yes; Rosa-Yes; Tucker-Yes; Crandall-Yes; Fickbohm-Yes; Roguski-Yes; Ray-Yes; Milanowski-Yes; Lee-Yes; Holte-Yes; Olsen-Yes; Pocernich- Yes; Strand-Yes. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. WCA Platform Resolutions: a. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-50, Supporting the Removal of Wisconsin State and Use Taxes on Materials Used in Public Road Construction and Maintenance Projects b. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-51, Support for Funding of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program c. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-52, Supporting County Innovation in Alternative Funding Sources Through the Establishment of Public Private Partnership Statutes in Wisconsin. d. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-53, Supporting Increased Payment to Towns with County Forest Lands e. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-54, Supporting Regional Collaboration and Shared Service Delivery through County Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (CJCCs) f. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2026-55, Supporting a State-Local Fleet Efficiency and Public Safety Operations Cost Stabilization Program Abeles-Allison recommended considering the adoption of all WCA Resolutions in one motion as the Board has discussed all resolutions in the past months. Sandstrom made a motion to vote on all WCA Platform Resolutions at once, seconded by Crandall. Pocernich stated he will vote no as there are two items he would like to discuss. There was no further discussion. Motion carried. Yes-11; No-2; Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-56, Authorization of Lower-Level Bathroom Repair Project Budget Amendment: Abeles-Allison informed the board that bids are coming in over-budget due to one additional plumbing area that needs to be addressed, with an increase of $74,000. Pocernich made a motion to approve Bayfield County Resolution 2026-56, seconded by Strand. Roll Call vote; Tucker-Yes; Milanowski-Yes; Pocernich-Yes; Sandstrom-Yes; Ray-Yes; Strand-Yes; Lee-Yes; Fickbohm-No; Olsen-Yes; Holte-Yes; Roguski-Yes; Crandall-Yes; Rosa-Yes. Motion carried. Yes- 12; No-1; Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-57 Energy Innovation Grant Program Resolution: Abeles- Allison spoke regarding the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence Energy Innovation Grant Program. A proposal to apply for the grant of $250,000 for an electric vehicle rollout pilot is planned. The project would leverage county vehicle purchases and request supplemental costs for electric vehicles together with staffing assistance to develop a model Rural Local Government Electric Vehicle Fleet initiative that could be replicated in other areas of the state. Pocernich and Milanowski had 6 concerns regarding efficiency and practicality of EV vehicles in rural areas. Rosa had concerns regarding access to EV charging stations. Abeles-Allison stated new charging stations are being installed and will be available soon. Sandstrom and Fickbohm spoke in support of the resolution. Abeles-Allison stated that the County is looking to purchase 8-10 vehicles and this grant would allow the county to apply for coverage of the supplemental costs. Fickbohm made a motion to approve Bayfield County Resolution 2026-57 Energy Innovation Grant Program Resolution, seconded by Sandstrom. Motion carried. Yes-10; No-3, Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-58 Authorization to Sign the Department of Administration Non-State Grant and Land Use Restriction Agreement for the Iron River Highway Garage and Courthouse Dome Projects: Abeles-Allison spoke regarding Bayfield County applying for the grant and being awarded $142,000. Lee asked for clarification regarding how the grant funds will be used in reference to the dome; whether it will be maintenance, repair or replacement of the copper. Abeles- Allison stated an addendum may be requested if the County wants the $142,000 grant to go toward an overall restoration of the dome. Milanowski made a motion to approve Bayfield County Resolution 2026-58 Authorization to Sign the Department of Administration Non-State Grant and Land Use Restriction Agreement for the Iron River Highway Garage and Courthouse Dome Projects, seconded by Tucker. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-59 to Proceed with Department of Energy Projects and Contracts as approved in the 2026 Budget: Abeles-Allison stated that document amendments will be coming from the State and sought approval to sign grants, projects, and contract agreements as part of the 2026 budget. Roguski made a motion to approve Bayfield County Resolution 2026-59 to Proceed with Department of Energy Projects and Contracts as approved in the 2026 Budget, seconded by Strand. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Resolution 2026-60 FY 2026 Daily Use Radio Grant Program Authorization and Budget Amendment: Abeles-Allison stated Emergency Management submitted an application for R6.2 million for radios for fire, EMS, Sheriff and Highway Departments. Emergency Management Department was awarded $2.2 million. Some monies will be spent in 2026 and some in 2027 with a cost match of $64,200. Holte made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-60, FY 2026 Daily Use Radio Grant Program Authorization and Budget Amendment, seconded by Tucker. Roll Call Vote: Olsen-Yes, Milanowski-Yes; Crandall-Yes; Tucker-Yes; Rosa-Yes; Strand-Yes; Lee-Yes; Sandstrom- Yes; Fickbohm-Yes; Holte-Yes; Roguski-Yes, Pocernich-Yes; Ray-Yes. Motion carried. Yes-13; No- 0; Absent-0. Reports: Abeles-Alison stated that everything is written out in the narrative and noted that item e, Highway 2, Fish Creek Park Ride Closure will be for a few weeks and that signs will be posted in June regarding the closure and the Town of Eileen has volunteered to offer parking for a small fee. WCA Annual Conference registration deadline was discussed. Future County Board Meeting Dates: a. June 30, 2026, b. July 28, 2026, c. August 25, 2026. Supervisors’ Reports: Lee stated that she, Olsen and Rosa attended the COWS workshop in Hayward and learned a lot about the Open Meetings Law, levying, mill rates and other topics. 7 Corporation Counsel Contract: Abeles-Allison stated that the closed session language on the agenda had incorrect statutory citations so the Board cannot enter into closed session. Corp. Counsel John Carlson advised just to talk in open session. Abeles-Allison stated he would like to prepare a contract with Weld-Riley. Olsen asked how many hours on average the Board contracts with counsel annually. Abeles-Allison stated that it varies but increased dramatically over the past two years due to the horse issues, Enbridge and a couple of lawsuits. The goal is to reduce counsel costs by modifying procedures. The goal is to keep annual corporation counsel fees to less than $100,000. Strand, Roguski, Fickbohm, Lee and Pocernich spoke in support of preparing contact for Weld-Riley. Pocernich stated that the County Board Rules should include instruction regarding having to contact county administration before contacting corporation counsel. Pocernich also spoke on wanting public comment limitations added to the County Board Rules. Fickbohm stated that he saw no reason to address public comment limitations in the rules. Abeles-Allison asked the Board if there is any opposition if the County Board Chair and County Administrator sign a contract with Weld-Riley or if this matter should be brought back to the County Board in June. Pocernich requested that the matter be officially brought to the Board in June for approval but before that time, the signing of the contract by Abeles-Allison is allowed by state statute as it falls within the budget. Motion to Adjourn Holte, seconded by Roguski. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0, Absent-0. Adjournment: Holte made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Roguski. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. There being no further business to discuss, Lee adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted Lynn M. Divine Bayfield County Clerk lmd/ejt Copies of Bayfield County Resolutions may be obtained by contacting the Bayfield County Clerk’s Office at (715) 373-6100 Bayfield County Code of Ordinances can be found at https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/752/County- Ordinances