Economic Development Agenda 09-09-2026

Notice of Public Meeting AGENDA Committee: Economic Development Committee Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Time: 9:30 A.M. Location: Third Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610 Remote Access: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/245977978988950?p=mNkDsJsvpGX7jno7TP This meeting is open to the public, but portions of the meeting may be closed if this notice indicates that the committee may convene in closed session. The following matters may be reviewed, discussed and acted upon at this meeting . Please note that deviations from the order shown may occur. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call of Members 3. Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance 4. Approve Agenda 5. Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting 6. Public Comment 7. Update on Goals 8. Flyway Trail Update 9. Business Maps 10. Budget Ideas 11. New Business(es) Update 12. Committee Chair Report 13. County Administrator Report 14. Correspondence 15. Future Agenda Items 16. Next Meeting Date and Time 17. Adjournment Date: September 3, 2026 Nathan Nelson, Chair By: Lisa Schmitt, County Clerk Board Members: If unable to attend, please contact the Chair. If the Chair is unavailable, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. If the Chair and the County Clerk are not available, please call the Administrative Coordinator at 608-685-6234. Persons with Disabilities: Buffalo County shall attempt to provide reasonable accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. Public Access to the Courthouse: The South Entrance will be the only access to the building after 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday and after 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. Persons who are members of another governmental body, but who are not members of this committee, may attend this meeting. Their attendance could result in a quorum of another governmental body being present. Such a quorum is unintended, and they are not meeting to exercise the authority, duties, or responsibilities of any other governmental body. BUFFALO COUNTY MINUTES Committee of the Board: Economic Development Committee Date of the Meeting: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 2:00 p.m. Board Members Present: Mr. John Hadley, Mr. Nathan Nelson, Mr. Gary Stanton, and Mr. Michael Taylor. Others Present for All or Part of the Meeting: Mr. Lee Engfer , Ms. Lisa Schmitt, Mr. Dave Carlson, Mr. Steve Wall, and Ms. Shauna Roberts. Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance: Ms. Schmitt verified that proper public notice was given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting: Mr. Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2026, meeting, seconded by Mr. Stanton. Carried. Public Comment: Ms. Shauna Roberts with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster and Recovery spoke regarding financial assistance and low interest loans available for those affected by storms that occurred in April and provided information to share with residents and businesses in our county. Election of Economic Development Committee Chair and Vice-Chair: Mr. Engfer stated that these positions are restricted to being County Board supervisors only, so Mr. Hadley as a citizen member would not be eligible. Mr. Engfer opened the floor for nominations for chair. Mr. Stanton nominated Mr. Nelson as chair. Mr. Hadley nominated Mr. Stanton as chair. There were no further nominations and after a paper ballot vote, Mr. Nelson was elected as committee chair. Mr. Nelson assumed the role of chair and called for nominations for vice-chair. Mr. Taylor nominated Mr. Stanton as vice-chair. There were no further nominations and a unanimous voice vote resulted in the appointment of Mr. Stanton as committee vice-chair. Update on Goals: Mr. Carlson gave an update on his goals. Plans include business visits and roundtables, inventorying available building lots, industrial park and business promotions, developing an economic development strategic plan, and developing an affordable housing strategy. The Explore Buffalo County Facebook page continues to be updated and improved and is increasingly gaining followers. Flyway Trail Update: Mr. Hadley reported that a maintenance contract for the trail with the county is being created. We are working with the railroad again to allow crossing of the tracks instead of the trail routing along the highway edge. Mr. Engfer stated that he has been meeting regarding the railroad crossing and the plan has been modified. The Office of the Commission of Railroad gives the final signoff, but it is moving forward without opposition. Trash cans have been added in various places and mowing has been increased to stabilize grasses and reduce washouts. New Business(es) Update: None. Committee Chairperson Report: Mr. Nelson provided Mr. Carlson with a brief personal background and introduction, as Mr. Nelson is new to this committee. Nothing else to report. County Administrator Report: Mr. Engfer asked for input on the economic development budget in the next few weeks. He will be speaking to a class at Winona State University to potentially find an intern to work on economic development for the county. Correspondence: None. Future Agenda Items: Discussion on printing of maps with locations of businesses and attractions. Next Meeting Date and Time: The next meeting date and time will be September 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Adjournment: Mr. Stanton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:08 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Schmitt County Clerk