Snowmobile Council

Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting April 9th, 2026 HOSTED BY: Northwoods Riders at Zondlo’s W2407 WI-102, Rib Lake, WI 54470 Called to order: 7:01 by President Penny Olson Secretary’s Report : Motion made by Elaine Emmerich to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed. 2nd by Barb Berger. The motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sadie Trawicki was absent. President Penny Olson presented the Treasurer’s Report for March 2026 and raffle financial report. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Dan Roiger and 2nd by Rick Schmitz. The motion carried. AWSC Report AWSC Representative Nick Meyer shared that the conservation congress hearing in Taylor County is April 13 th. There may be discussion on extending the archery season to Jan 31 st for all farmland zones. There was discussion on how this could affect trail permission on private lands. There may be a new requirement to submit SNARS entries by the end of the month in which they occurred. Be sure to get your entries in quickly. Life insurance was approved for July 1st. Support trail pass cost increase to provide more funding for the program. Recent legislation to raise fees did not pass. Available grant money for bridges and new trails is on a downward trend. Work to maintain existing bridges to increase their usable life. 155,846 trail passes sold this season. $2.2 million total. Discussion on trail pass cost increase, gas tax, and bridge funding. Old Business Rib Lake Fire Donation – A donation to Rib Lake Fire Dept was discussed at the March meeting. Russ Bullis, Rib Lake Fire Chief, spoke with information on a new UTV and trailer the department has decided to purchase to replace their current UTV which had reached the end of its service life. The UTV would allow responders access to areas other vehicles cannot, such as a recreational trail. This equipment will be available to respond to wildland fires and rescue emergencies in the Rib Lake area or anywhere they are needed. Delivery is planned for mid - summer, and the department hopes to raise all funds through donations and other fund raising with no cost paid through taxes. The estimated costs were approximately $15,000 for the outfitted enclosed trailer and $27,000 for the UTV with the water delivery and rescue package. New Business Officer Elections - President Penny Olson announced the current officers and positions up for re-election. They were: Current officers are: Penny Olson – President Dan Roiger- Vice President Sadie Trawicki – Treasurer Alex Solawetz - Secretary The president called for nominations. Kevin Klemm nominated Marcus Reimann for Vice President with a 2 nd from Dan Roiger. There was a motion to close nominations by Dan Roiger with a 2 nd from Nick Meyer. A unanimous vote was cast to approve Marcus Reimann as Vice President. Motion Carried. Nick Meyer made a motion to retain the current President, Secretary, and Treasurer unchanged with a 2nd from Elaine Emmerich. Motion Carried. Rib Lake Fire Donation – President Penny Olson read the current account balances from the March treasurer’s report. There was discussion on how much the Council was able to donate with recommendations between $2,000 and $4,000. It was stated that Interwald Wanderers had donated $1,000 to the fund. Scott Zondlo made a motion to donate $3,000 to Rib Lake Fire Dept for their now UTV and trailer purchase with a second by Roger Bube. Motion carried. It was suggested that a check be delivered to Rib Lake Fire and a picture be taken documenting the donation to submit to the paper. SNARS- Secretary Alex Solawetz provided a summary of open trail days this season and some history on number of days the trails have been open historically. Current balances were presented for maintenance contracts. New Trail – Scott Zondlo talked about progress on a new trail along Hwy C north of Hwy 102. There was discussion on funding applications and agreement that the new trail funding application would be planned for 2027. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be October 1st, 2026. Hosted at Wild Bill’s Tap, N5216 Co Rd C, Rib Lake, WI 54470. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Marcus Reimann and 2nd by Dan Roiger. Adjourned 7:50pm Respectfully submitted by: Alex Solawetz Taylor County Forestry Dept. Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting March 5th, 2026 HOSTED BY: at Opie and Tammy’s Kountry Korner W3539 Hwy 64, Medford, WI 54451 Called to order: 7:01 by President Penny Olson Secretary’s Report : Motion made by Elaine Emmerich to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed. 2nd by Nick Meyer. The motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sadie Trawicki presented the Treasurer’s Report for February 2026. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Rick Schmitz and 2nd by Delvin Smith. The motion carried. AWSC Report Calendars for Sale : AWSC Representative Nick Meyer said tickets are still available and would like Stump Jumpers, Rock Dodgers, and Tired Iron Vintage Riders to purchase tickets. Tickets will be available at the Pie Shoot on Saturday March 7th. The AWSC convention will be March 26-29. AWSC will vote on insurance at this time. Old Business Bridge update: Secretary Alex Solawetz reported the New Black River Bridge has been installed and the old bridge removed. The new bridge was used for a short time at the end of the season. Thank you to those who helped reroute trail and remove the old bridge. City of Medford Ordinance: The city clerk is working with the Titera’s to change the city ordinance to be submitted to the council . This will likely result in removal of hours restrictions from designated snowmobile trails within city limits and for those travelling from residents or hotels to a trail. There was some discussion on whether state statue would prohibit the city from regulating funded trails. It was said that the city council plans to address ATV/UTV ordinance and operational hours once they have completed changes to the snowmobile ordinance. New Business Fun Days Report: Sadie Trawicki thanked Moonlight Snowcats and congratulated raffle winners. A draft raffle report was handed out and summarized by Sadie showing options between 50% and 75% payback of proceeds. There was discussion on what percentage to pay back to clubs with suggestions of 75% and 100%. There was also discussion on making donations to local groups, such as fire departments, as had been done in the past. President Penny Olson suggested members bring donation recommendations to the next meeting. Several members suggested Rib Lake Fire was looking for donations and that the department should come to a meeting to discuss their needs. It was also suggested that some money be saved for future donations or scholarship. The Council had donated $400 to Fun Days for pop and beer. There was discussion on whether that was enough and if the Council should provide more. The group generally agreed that the amount would remain $400. Sadie Trawicki provided the current balance and the remaining funds if clubs were paid 75% of raffle proceeds. Nick Meyer moved to pay the clubs at 75% as shown on the handout. There was a 2nd by Marcus Reimann. The motion carried. Announcements: AWSC officer elections - Elaine Emmerich moved to nominate the current director, Nick Meyer, and representative , Ann Weymouth, for re -election to their current positions . Matt Roiger moved to close nominations. 2nd by Sandy Roiger. Motion carried. Next meeting- April 9th at 7pm at Zondlo’s. All council officer positions will be up for election. Current officers are: Penny Olson – President Dan Roiger- Vice President Sadie Trawicki – Treasurer Alex Solawetz - Secretary Pie Shoot – Saturday March 7th at Wild Bill’s hosted by Interwald Wanderers Fish Fry- April 3rd at Zondlo’s 4-close hosted by Spirit Lake Northwoods Riders. Fund Raiser and Raffle – March 14 th at the groomer shed at N2874 Howard Rd, Medf ord with the drawing at 4pm hosted by Black River Rock Dodgers. Secretary Alex Solawetz provided an update on remaining maintenance funding. Fun Days 2027 – will be Saturday February 20th hosted by Tired Iron Vintage Riders. Next Meeting: the next meeting will be April 9 th, 2026. Hosted by the Northwoods Riders at Zondlo’s W2407 WI-102, Rib Lake, WI 54470 Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Justin Meyer and 2nd by Lynn Jochimsen. Adjourned 7:20pm Respectfully submitted by: Alex Solawetz Taylor County Forestry Dept. Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting February 5th, 2026 HOSTED BY: Pine Creek Riders at A and E Tavern N1220 County Road E, Medford, WI 54451 Called to order: 7:02 by President Penny Olson Secretary’s Report: Motion made by Matt Roiger to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed. 2nd by Delvin Smith. The motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sadie Trawicki presented the Treasurer’s Report for January 2026. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Rick Schmitz and 2 nd by Marcus Reimann. The motion carried. AWSC Report Calendars for Sale: AWSC Representative Ann Weymouth said there was an email sent from insurance and she would have a report on it at next meeting. Ann has $100 raffle tickets available and the prizes 1 st -5th were announced to the Council. The drawing is October 24 th at the AWSC director’s meeting. Officer elections will be held at the March AWSC meeting. There are no open positions with all officers running for re-election. Elections for Taylor County Snowmobile Council will be held at the April meeting. Old Business Raffle Tickets: Return tickets to Sadie. Raffle is at 3pm on Fun Day. Unsold tickets will also need to be returned. Fun Day will be hosted by the Moonlite Sno -Kats on February 21st at Gad Bar. Posters for Fun Days were available to take. New Business Bridge Update – Alex Solawetz shared that the Black River bridge project on Corridor 18 west of the Pineline started February 2nd th. The bridge should be completed around February 11th, and the trail will be moved to the new route. Public Comment: Spencer Titera of Medford asked the Council whether the Medford City ordinance that prohibits operation of snowmobiles in the city between 2am and 6am applies to snowmobile trails. This was brought to the Council following an incident the previous weekend where enforcement action was taken by city police for operating a snowmobile within the city between 2am and 6am on the M1 trail. Discussion followed questioning whether there was a similar ordinance in Rib Lake and about other trails that are located within the City of Medford. A map was provided by the secretary showing trails within the city limits. Ride: Tired Iron Vintage Riders announced a ride would be held on Sunday February 8 th at Cindy’s at 1pm. Next Meeting: the next meeting will be March 5 th, 2026. Hosted by the Stump Jumpers at Opie & Tammy's Kountry Korner W3539 WI-64, Medford, WI 54451 Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Justin Meyer and 2nd by Lynn Jochimsen. Adjourned 7:20pm Respectfully submitted by: Alex Solawetz Taylor County Forestry Dept. Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting January 8th, 2026 HOSTED BY: Tired Iron Vintage at Zondlo’s W2407 Hwy 102, Rib Lake, WI Called to order: 7:05 by President Penny Olson Secretary’s Report: Motion made by Delvin Smith to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed. 2nd by Bob Meyer. The motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Sadie Trawicki presented the Treasurer’s Report for December 2025. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Rick Schmitz and 2 nd by Matt Roiger. The motion carried. AWSC Report Calendars for Sale: AWSC Director Nick Meyer announced that AWSC three -year calendars are available for $20 each. The next drawing for the calendar raffle is on January 28 th at 1pm and is played live on AWSC Facebook page. 587 calendars have been sold as of January. Nick also has $100 raffle tickets available. Assembly Bill 704 and Senate Bill 700 are being considered by state lawmakers. This legislation would raise trail pass fees from $10 to $15 and registration fees from $30 to $45. 25,952 passes were sold in December. Some clubs around the state have been offering free club membership to those who attend safety classes. Discussion should be had at each club to consider this option. FESA (Federal Employee Service Association) is proposing a $5,000 Death and Dismemberment claim option. The item was tabled at AWSC due to more questions after the FESA representative had left the meeting. FESA will send mailers with contact information. FESA is about $2,000 more than other insurers. Keep trail work up to date on SNARS. Be sure to inspect new bridge construction projects. Some issues had been found with incomplete welds on recently installed bridges. There are currently 35,420 AWSC members. Sleds 1991 and older are now considered antique, a trail pass is not required. Also announced who is running for AWSC executive board in upcoming elections. Old Business Map Update: Maps are available after the meeting and additional copies are available at the forestry office. Raffle Tickets: Additional tickets available from Sadie Trawicki if needed. Raffle is at 3pm at Fun Day. Sold tickets should be turned by the next meeting. Unsold tickets will also need to be returned. Fun Day will be hosted by the Moonlite Sno -Kats on February 21st at Gad Bar. The Sno-Kats are exploring options for Fun Day, including renting tents for the gathering. New Business Trail Update: Westboro Sno-Dusters have been working in the National Forest. They brushed and cleared 14 miles in 107 labor hours. They estimated 17 miles remaining. Work is progressing south and west from Mondeaux Flowage. Parking is limited in the area and volunteers should park at Hwy E, at the spring without taking up all the spots, or ride to the work site if trails are open. Discussion on recruiting and directing volunteers to work days. Members should call Bob Meyer if they wish to help. Ann will post Bob’s phone number on Facebook. Information could be shared on the County Snowmobile and the Westboro Sno -Duster’s Facebook page. Northwoods Riders report logging activity in the County Forest on Cutoff Rd and on Loop Rd. Expect traffic on Bear Ave, Cutoff Rd, and on North Loop Rd. It could be some time before trails open again due to areas of open water with the recent melt. Price County is still working on clearing their trails, so use extra caution if riding toward Prentice. Wally Emmerich – Penny Olson reminded the group of the passing of Wally Emmerich on Dec 15th. Wally was an active member of several clubs and had served as president of the Taylor County Snowmobile Council. Penny ordered flowers to be delivered to Wally’s service on January 9th. Motion was made by Janice Meyer and 2nd by Dan Roiger to approve $84.40 for the purchase. Motion Carried. Trail Work During Hunting Season – A complaint was posted on Facebook over club maintenance activity on private lands during hunting season, specifically before the end of the gun deer seasons. There was discussion on the complaint and others that were shared with Council members. Dan Roiger shared that the general policy has been that clubs do not work on private land during hunting season without contacting the landowner first. Members were reminded to do so if they need to work on trails before the end of the gun season which may include additional open gun hunting periods after the regular 9-day Thanksgiving hunt. Bridge Update – Alex Solawetz shared that the Black River bridge project on Corridor 18 west of the Pineline is expected to start January 19 th. Plans were discussed for removal, storage, and hauling of the old bridge. April Meeting Date: There was a request from Rick Schmitz to change the April meeting date from April 2nd to April 9th. There were no objections. The meeting will be at Zondlo’s at 7pm. Ditch Trails: Scott Zondlo is working on a new trail and had a question on the rules for establishing trail in the road right -of-way. Bob Meyer said this is allowed provided the trail is marked for 2-way traffic, maintained, and is at least 10 ft from the edge of the gravel. This also requires permission from the Town and possibly the County, as well as landowners adjacent to the right-of-way if the trail is on private land. Next Meeting: the next meeting will be February 5 th, 2026. Hosted by Pine Creek Riders at A & E Tavern, N1220 Cty Rd E, Medford, WI 54451 Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Justin Meyer and 2nd by Chuck Meyer. Respectfully submitted by: Alex Solawetz Taylor County Forestry Dept.