Broadband Committee

BROADBAND COMMITTEE December 08, 2025 TASO Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Mike Bub, Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske, Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: Gene Knoll, James Stokes Members absent: Other Attendees: Michele Grimm, Grant Bub, Joe Liegl, Candice Grunseth and Steve Deml Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Mark Leonard, Bob Judnic, Approve the agenda: • Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Chuck Zenner to approve the agenda with 7 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the November 11, 2025, meetings: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel Update: • Tower Update o No Updates • Fiber Update o 4 Fiber segments live as of 12/8/25 • Jump River OLT • Spiels LN OLT • Richter OLT • Whittlesey OLT o Splicing in progress o Rib Lake is still working through connection to start hooking up residents • This is within the Village, no connections being made yet o 130 miles of fiber is live • WaNRack/Bug Tussel Network o Transition continues o No contract talks have been set between Bug Tussel and Taylor County • Other Items o OLT ceremony/press release • Planning to do two events for the 4 OLT that are live • Expecting it to be in January or February • Will reach out to press that cover those areas o Lease agreements that will no longer have a tower on their land will be contacted and discussions with those landowners will happen soon o Scott Feldt who was a contact for the County is no longer with Bug Tussel • Melody will be the main point of contact Broadband Manager Report: • BEAD Update o NTIA approved PSC Proposal o Grant agreements and onboarding to begin • Dec-Feb o Funding will be done through reimbursement o Low-cost service plan is still there • Residents must be eligible for low-cost plans • It is no longer set at $40 ▪ ISP sets the price • Advertising must include pricing o Final Map is on PSC site • Community Meetings o Will proceed with Rib Lake • If weather has small turnout and there is interest in another date we can have another meeting if warranted o Topics • Maps, RDOF, ACAM, BEAD, • Bug Tussel and WaNRack • Types of internet and where • Questions about plans or options contact Grant • Getting connected contact ISP • Website • Rib Lake Fire Department o Heartland installing equipment 12/08 and 12/09 Other items for the committee: o Lublin service calls • Lublin had a service call in July 2025 o Lublin reached out Yellowstone Computing • Ended up ordering equipment of a new computer, phone, and some additional accessories o Confusion as to who would cover this expense • Committee discussion on whether or not to cover just the 3 service calls which totaled $285.00 ($95.00 each) o Total equipment and service calls totaled $980.00 • Motion for Broadband to pay the $285.00 for the three service calls for Lublin made by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Mike Bub. Roll- call vote: cast ▪ Mike Bub - Yes ▪ Kenny Ceaglske - Yes ▪ Gene Knoll - Yes ▪ James Stokes - Yes ▪ Sue Swiantek - Yes ▪ Rollie Thums - No ▪ Chuck Zenner – No Result: Motion passed, 5-2. o Starlink and Cellular • Talks on how both technologies will provide a competitor in areas that may only have one other ISP provider Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Next Meeting: 01/13/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE November 11, 2025 TASO Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Mike Bub, Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske, Chuck Zenner and Jim Metz Members Present via Zoom: Gene Knoll, James Stokes Members absent: Other Attendees: Michele Grimm, Grant Bub, Gailen Story, Nancy Story, Joe Liegl and Steve Deml Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Josie Lathrop, Bob Judnic, Denis Hinderliter, and Candice Grunseth Approve the agenda: • Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Sue Swiantek to approve the agenda with 7 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the October 14, 2025 meetings: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel Update: • Tower Update o Not moving forward with any towers beyond those that are currently live o No updates on cell equipment being added and no plans • Both live towers and towers that are stacked but not live o Decision to not move forward with the remaining towers is both because of BEAD fiber plans overlapping and the cost to expected revenue o Questions about if lease agreements will continue if tower is not used for fixed wireless • If tower is up, then payments/agreement will remain in place • Fiber Update o BEAD plans are made and on the updated map from Bug Tussel o Finishing plans to tie into WaNRack network • Need to cross Hwy 102 ▪ Waiting on permit approval • Expected to be completed before end of year allowing fiber to go live ▪ Can continue with boring during winter to complete connections o Remaining Town Hall connections • Calls are being made to begin the process to get them connected o Questions on communication contacting people in Richter Lake addition • Little to no communication until they are close to connecting homes • Trying to create less confusion than in the past • Melody to reach out to Marketing to relay the plan to keep us in the know o Connecting homes in Winter? • Temporary drops • Up to the customer if they want to have fiber on top of snow or wait for spring • WaNRack/Bug Tussel Network o Plans to reach out to existing customers • Details on payment and service • Other Items Broadband Manager Report: • BEAD Update o Still waiting NTIA approval o Josie informed us of the 90-day deadline approaching on Dec. 3 o Grant Agreements with ISPs expected in early January o Possible future funding for areas that are coverage but not at the speeds we would like o Cost for Starlink? • With the changes in BEAD the low -cost criteria have been removed/changed • Discussion of multiple options and prices depending on needs/wants of the consumer • Community Meetings o Jump River Dec. 10 7:00pm Community Center o Gilman Dec. 10 4:00pm Village Hall o Rib Lake Dec. 9 5:30pm Village Hall o Medford Dec. 17 5:30pm Education Center o Topics • Maps, RDOF, ACAM, BEAD, • Bug Tussel and WaNRack • Types of internet and where, Fixed/Fiber/Satellite/Cellular • Questions about plans or options contact Grant • Getting connected contact ISP • Website Other items for the committee: o Verizon coverage in Jump River • Possible additional coverage has been added • Possibly on Hwy 8 tower o Lawyer fees: $7,751 o Bug Tussel working on communication • Correcting information when needed • Bug Tussel dug into some rumors that Bug Tussel representatives give incorrect or misleading information over calls. After reviewing their logs, it was determined that this did not happen o The Committee is reminded to avoid sharing unconfirmed or speculative information. All members are encouraged to refer questions Grant Adjourn: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Sue Swiantek to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 a.m. Next Meeting: 12/09/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE October 14, 2025 TASO Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:32 am. Members Present: Mike Bub, Sue Swiantek, Kenny Ceaglske and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: Gene Knoll, James Stokes Members absent: Rollie Thums Other Attendees: Michele Grimm and Steve Deml Other attendees via Zoom: Grant Bub, Russ Berg, Mitch Olson and Mark Leonard Approve the agenda: • Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Chuck Zenner to approve the agenda with 7 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025 and September 25, 2025 meetings: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel Update: • Mitch Olson from Bug Tussel provided an update. • Tower Update: Bug Tussel is working to connect the towers as they now have access to the former WaNRack network. Due to the pending Bead awards. Bug will be evaluating which towers should go have fixed wireless equipment installed. Areas receiving Bead grants for fiber to the home (FTH) would be better served with FTH. • Fiber Update: Conduit is almost complete for the Rib Lake and the Richter Lake addition areas. Fiber will be blown in in the coming weeks. Homes should start to be connected to Q4 of 2025. • Other items: Discussion with Cell Phones carriers are still ongoing. Broadband Manager Report: • BEAD Update o Maps of the proposed BEAD awards were reviewed. Still waiting for final approval on the BEAD grants. Some Fixed Wireless awards in the original BEAD awards were removed. • Bug Tussel and WaNRack Negotiations o Contract between WANRack and Bug Tussel is near completion. Contract between the County and Bug Tussel will remain same as what was with WANRack. o Further contract updates may occur. o Once transfer to Bug Tussel is completed maintenance checks can be sent to Bug Tussel. o Subscribers on WANRack will be notified of the change. • Community Meetings: o Michelle Grimm informed the committee that she intends on scheduling community meetings for early December. • Rib Lake Fire Department: o Agreement in process to set up connection to Rib Lake Fire Department Other items for the committee: • If individuals have questions on the status of connection or service providers in their area, they are encouraged to look up their address online or call Grant directly. Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:43 a.m. Next Meeting: 11/11/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE September 25, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:29 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Gene Knoll and Jim Metz Members Present via Zoom: Kenny Ceaglske Members absent: James Stokes and Chuck Zenner Other Attendees: Grant Bub and Michele Grimm Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg and Evan Claditis Approve the agenda: • Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske to approve the agenda with 7 items. Motion carried. The Broadband Committee may convene in closed session by taking a roll call vote, pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: • Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske to go into closed session. A roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session at 9:31 a.m. The meeting will reconvene in open session: • Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Gene Knoll to reconvene in open session at 9:58 a.m. Motion carried. Vote on Consent to the Assignment of the Agreement between WaNRack, LLC and Bug Tussel 2, LLC • Motion by Gene Knoll, seconded by Sue Swiantek for roll call vote to sign the assignment of consent • Motion passed unanimously • Jim Metz signed the agreement Other items for the committee: • Discussion on community meetings • Discussion on Bug Tussel Marketing Adjourn: Motion by Gene Knoll, seconded by Sue Swiantek to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m. Next Meeting: 10/14/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE August 12, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes Members absent: Gene Knoll Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Michele Grimm, Candice Grunseth, and Steve Deml Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, and Mark Leonard Approve the agenda: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Chuck Zenner, to approve the agenda with 9 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the July 08, 2025 meeting: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: 1. Bug Tussel update: 2. Tower Update • Permit progress? o Melody to look into and pass along information o BEAD may play a role o Hughey not erected 3. Fiber Update • ARPA Project - construction began Aug. 4 o Drill crews are actively working 4. Other Items • Medford School o Actively working with Denis o Fiber may need to be moved • Letter for Sale from WaNRack to BT in July o Talks between BT and Taylor County are expected to begin soon • BEAD o May change plans in the county • Rhett Boesen (Sales Rep) o Lydia states that there is a fee for installation • First 350 ft. should be free in project area ▪ Standard for BT is 250 ft. and would be expected throughout the rest of the county • After the 350 in the project area will be an extra cost to the resident. • Not all installation fees are for the fiber being laid, but installation of equipment as well Broadband Manager report: • BEAD Update o Mark – BEAD is still broadband for everyone o Needs to meet 100 Mbps (5G) o Fixed wireless would have to show network designs to give speeds and access to everyone • Applicants can submit multiple technologies o Determinations in progress - Awards by the 27th o Public comment period • 27th-28th - 4-day period o Hard deadline Sept. 4 o Received 400 applications • 10 new applicants o Providers set their own low-cost plan • Not $40 per state anymore it will be set by the ISP • Fiber Outages o Maplehurst twice o WaNRack needed to use Charter backup for a couple of days • Rib Lake Fire Department o 08/14 Thur. Discovery meeting o Russ Bullis and Heartland to set up a walkthrough • Other Items o LASO Room for next meeting o Expand communication with community • Add Grant's number and email to county website and Facebook The Broadband Committee may convene in closed session by taking a roll call vote, pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: • Closed session was determined to not be needed. The meeting will reconvene in open session: • The committee did not go into closed session Other items for the committee: • Waiting for communication from lawyers about WaNRack and Bug Tussel • WTA Aug. 21 - Michelle to attend Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m. Next Meeting: 09/09/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE July 08, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes and Gene Knoll Members absent: N/A Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Michele Grimm, Tracy Hartwig and Steve Deml Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Candice and Evan Claditis Approve the agenda: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the agenda with 9 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the June 10, 2025 meeting: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Chuck Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: 1. Bug Tussel update: • Tower Update o Once agreement is in place with WaNRack 3-4 weeks for towers in orange on fiber line • Fiber Update o Jump River prepping fiber line for after agreement with WaNRack o Richter Lake prepping fiber line for after agreement with WaNRack o Spiels and Whittlesey fiber is ready once agreement is in place • Other Items o WaNRack negotiations are on 3rd Party consent phase with • Nobody has reached out to the county (3rd Party) • 99% on paperwork side per Mitch • Question raised by Kenny: If financial change occurs with the network does the Broadband committee first need County Board Approval? ▪ Executive committee will be informed and they will make the decision if County Board is needed o Grant to have Dennis to reach out to Melody • Reach out to Laura Lundy as another school contact for Melody o BT Sales and Marketing • Will not presale before service is live to avoid confusion with residents o Adoption rates for fixed wireless • Cannot give specific number due to privacy issue • Taylor County is above other Counties in WI for BT take rate ▪ 6%-30% standard for fixed wireless ▪ TC is within that range Broadband Manager report: • BEAD Update o LOI reopened 06/17/2025 and closed 06/30/2025 o BOB round next week or 2 weeks o Final Proposals due: 09/04/2025 o Construction estimated to begin 2026 o Completion in 2030 estimated • PSC Grant Reimbursement o Received Money from Local Planning Grant o Will begin closing this grant • Broadband Community Meetings o Medford o Rib Lake ->Fire Hall o Gilman -> Community Center o Jump River • Other Items The Broadband Committee may convene in closed session by taking a roll call vote, pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to go into closed session. A roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session at 10:02 a.m. The meeting will reconvene in open session: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Chuck Zenner to reconvene in open session at 10:17 a.m. Motion carried. Other items for the committee: • Comment stating that residents are being connected throughout the county by multiple ISPs that have not had internet before, and have indicated their appreciation to this committee for their efforts to improve broadband in Taylor County • Committee members Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 a.m. Next Meeting: 08/11/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE June 10, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Gene Knoll, Kenny Ceaglske, and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes Members absent: Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Russ Bullis, Steve Deml, Scott Capelle, Candice G. and Michele Grimm Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Bob Judnic and Mitch Olson Approve the agenda: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to approve the agenda with 10 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the May 13, 2025 meeting: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Chuck Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Rib Lake Fire Dept. • WaNRack seems to have connected the building with Fiber and connection to courthouse • Heartland never connected or was set up to connect • The committee states that we will get the Fire Dept. connected o Same connection as Gilman Fire Dept. Bug Tussel update: • Tower Update o Melody to follow up with how customers are getting connected • Committee is looking for follow-up data • How many people are getting connected • Success rate of connection when someone wants a connected • Is the Fixed Wireless working as expected • Fiber Update o Permitting for Richter Lake Addition in progress • No construction in progress o Spiels project area - splicing is complete o Whittlesey connections to fiber line in progress • Other Items o Miscommunication with BT representative regarding Richter Lake Addition area • Rhett from BT has answered questions and gave incorrect information of which he later corrected • Overall individuals have concerns with misinformation being passed both from BT • Committee members and others should direct individuals with questions to Grant Bub or Melody Johnson o Bug Tussel is available to call for questions and BT has made efforts with radio and paper to inform the community o Updated Maps coming in April • Residents can sign up for updates o Melody and Grant working on Town Hall connections o Melody attempting to communicate with Dennis • Elementary fiber line *BEAD UPDATE* o Revaluate served areas o No preference for fiber anymore o Based on lowest cost • If within 15% then PSC can decide. o Endorsement priority will have little to no impact o Fixed wireless may become a better option o Minimum 100mbps o More towers may not be the answer • Better equipment on the towers may help Broadband Manager report: • BEAD Update o BEAD Restructuring o PSC information early next week • PSC Grant Reimbursement o full grant amount is pending fiscal manager approval for payout (final approval) o First approval done, first fiscal approval done o Nothing else is needed • Broadband Expansion within Taylor County o Medford City Park/Pool • Wi-Fi; Cameras; Internet for CC machines o Rib Lake Baseball Field • Ice Age Days o Raider Field o JC Park o Farmers Market • Broadband Community Meetings o Medford, Rib Lake, Gilman, Jump River • Communication takes time maybe Early Sept. • Other Items o James and Grant to come up with a front facing HUB to relay info to residents The Broadband Committee may convene in closed session by taking a roll call vote, pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske, to go into closed session. A roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session at 10:48 a.m. The meeting will reconvene in open session: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums to reconvene in open session at 11:00 a.m. Motion carried. Other items for the committee: • Due to WaNRack not meeting the deadlines they provided. The committee has decided to withhold our monthly maintenance payment to WaNRack Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 a.m. Next Meeting: 07/08/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE May 13, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Gene Knoll and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: None Members absent: James Stokes and Kenny Ceaglske Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Tracy Hartwig, Dennis Hinderliter and Michele Grimm Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Bob Judnic and Mitch Olson Approve the agenda: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the agenda with 9 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the April 08, 2025 meeting: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: • Tower Update o Needing Approvals for Permits o Meter set on Center Ave. • Nothing in the air • Fiber Update o Rib Lake waiting on WaNRack o Richter Lake • June 15 start of construction • Trying to get construction started earlier • Other Items o Rd 1. BEAD: No decisive winner classification • Can reevaluate bid • Multiple bids are in contention • BT Won Rib Lake o WaNRack • Negotiations have not progressed • Asking County to reach out • Blake may be a contact o AT&T/BT Store • Will give contact info to residents, but not updates or connections • Melody will provide an email that she views for residential questions o Cellular • Still pushing to move forward o Town Hall connections • Goodrich, Browning, Greenwood, Holway, Hammel Broadband Manager report: • BEAD Update o 425 applications, requesting $2.98 billion in funding during Round 1 o Of the 4,370 original units - 1,376 are available for new applications in Rd. 2 o 37 were either awarded or were in still competitive application and 16 are available for new applications in round 2. o Round 2 May 8th open • Closes May 29th o LOI for Alternative Tech closed May 29; still reviewing o NTIA granted 90-day extension of the Final Proposal deadline • PSC Digital Equity Grant o Grant Bub and Michele Grimm working with Michelle Cahoon, Melissa Moore o Will work along with "Supporting Healthy Aging Coalition" o Due May 20 o $950,000 Available o Track 2 - Digital Opportunity Coalitions o Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities, Aging Individuals, Rural Area, Incarcerated, Under 150 percent poverty level, language barrier, racial or ethnic minority group o Mosaic is also applying and is looking for our support by Promotion; Education events; Facilities • Track 1 - Digital Navigator • Other Items o Country Wireless possibly adding to county towers o Bug Tussel/AT&T opening ribbon cutting event o Elementary School - Rerun fiber • Denis Hinderliter - Jon and Blake from WaNRack • Fiber runs under new concession stand • TDS Charter and BT all affected • Trying to run it around the Simek center • Completion needed by Aug. The Broadband Committee may convene in closed session by taking a roll call vote, pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to go into closed session. A roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session at 10:19 a.m. The meeting will reconvene in open session: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to reconvene in open session at 10:33 a.m. Motion carried. Other items for the committee: None Adjourn: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Next Meeting: 06/10/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE April 08, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:31 am. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Gene Knoll, Kenny Ceaglske and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: None Members absent: James Stokes Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Michelle Grimm, Tracy Hartwig, Nicole Hager Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Scott Feldt, Bob Judnic, Melody Johnson, Mitch Olson, and Candice Grunseth Approve the agenda: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Gene Knoll, to approve the agenda with 7 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the March 11, 2025 meeting: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: • Tower Update o 8 Towers live o 9 in progress o 17 sites built o 3,000 residents currently in reach o 5,200 residents to be within reach • Fiber Update o 20 miles built o 140 miles in progress o 150 homes passed o 1,140 will be passed o Rib lake ready to be turned on once WaNRack swap o Castle/Q/Sunset project in engineering • Hoping to have portions built out by 7/4 • Other Items o Rib lake tower fencing will come later but tower is live o Bond 2 3.6 mil: 1.5 set for WaNRack and rest BEAD o Bug Tussel and WaNRack negotiations continue to progress o Permits are going slowly with Fed backlog o BT Home and Bus. Expo - Sales Team had budget cuts timing did not work to attend o End of July opportunity for BT to come to TC o Cell companies - no update; more fruitful conversations but no major progress Broadband Manager report: • BEAD o Still wrapping up round 1 preliminary awards o Maps will be updated once completed and go through the deconfliction process for round 2 o Round 3 LOI closed March 11th, included: • Hilbert Communications LLC dba Bug Tussel Wireless • Sokaogon Chippewa Tribe • Norvado Inc. • Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services dba SwiftCurrent Connect • Mount Horeb Telephone Company dba MHTC • PSC Reimbursement o Amendment has been approved o Submitted reimbursement request and waiting on reimbursement • Bug Tussel and Sherriff Dept. Towers o BT, Grant, Corey Dassow, and PSC are working on the possibility of using BT towers for the Sherriff’s project Other items for the committee: • PSC - Digital Opportunity Mini-Conference April 24/25 - Racine WI or Virtual • Rib Lake Town Hall Internet issues o Grant will be heading up after meeting to investigate • Grant Opportunities for education – o Reach out to Jen for different sites that our health (ADRC) has already done and will be doing o Forest County hired a digital coordinator o Update Aspirus and Marshfield telehealth coordinator about broadband project and possible areas to provide telehealth • May 3rd electronics cleanup event at fair grounds Adjourn: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Gene Knoll, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Next Meeting: 05/13/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE March 11, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Members Present: Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske, Sue Swiantek, Gene Knoll and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: None Members absent: James Stokes Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Tracy Hartwig, Michelle Grimm, Steve Deml, Dennis Hinderliter, and Joe Leigl Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Melody Johnson, Candice G., Stanley, Mitch Olson, and Bob Judnic Approve the agenda: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the agenda with 8 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the February 12, 2025 meeting: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: • 20 miles of fiber live o Interwald • 100 miles in progress • 8 Towers live; 9 in progress with 5 anticipated in summer 2025 • Previous AT&T store now Bug Tussel o Sells AT&T Products o Will be able to provide contact information for Bug Tussel but cannot sell Bug Tussel Services • ARPA Project connecting homes 2026 • Marking lines around lakes o Just continuing to build right away • Not connecting homes o Locate flags does not mean they are connecting Broadband Manager report: • Westboro - Has all town devices connected to the Taylor County/WaNRack network o They are good to cancel Frontier • Grant and Michelle attended the WTA meeting 2/20/25 o Discussed what is coming in 2025 for broadband o Discussed BEAD o Discussed connecting town halls o Responded to concerns of Bug Tussel tower connectivity o New WTA Chair in May • BEAD o Applications in review for Rd. 1 o Rd. 1 awarded expected March 31-April 4 o Rd. 2 applications April 6-11 o Rd2. awards in May o Final State plans due Nov. Other items for the committee: • WaNRack merger o Contact for issues remains the same Adjourn: Motion by Gene Knoll, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Next Meeting: 04/08/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE February 12, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 11:58 am. Members Present: Rollie Thums, Kenny Ceaglske and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes, Gene Knoll Members absent: Sue Swiantek Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Tracy Hartwig, Michelle Grimm, Steve Deml, Dennis Hinderliter, and Joe Leigl Other attendees via Zoom: Russ Berg, Katie Zenner, Mark Leonard, Candice Grunseth, Stanley Schmidt, Mitch Olson Approve the agenda: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Kenny Ceaglske, to approve the agenda with 8 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the January 21, 2025 meeting: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Bug Tussel update: • 8 towers live o Checking Hannibal and Jump River Tower o Live: 64/73; Aurora; Maplehurst; Interwald; Rib Lake; Water Apple; Deer Creek; Goodrich • Richter lake zoning in progress • Call 833-BTUSSEL to see if you can be connected • Lease agreements (signed option) o Agreement if the location meets the specs and zoning • Site Tech goes on site o Line of sight o If being investigated lean on the tech and be creative o 2.5 mile is initial but can be just over 5 miles o Speeds should not differentiate based on distance but line of site • Cellular o Nothing materialized to where information can be shared o Focusing on the northern portion of the county o Conversations with multiple carriers are progressing BEAD Endorsement: County Board approved endorsement of Bug Tussel County wide endorsement • Do not send Endorsement to PSC send to Mitch – Per Mark Broadband Manager report: • Westboro - Jeff Peterson picking a date to allow Grant to come and test and switch to WaNRack Network • PSC Reimbursement - Working with Damarr from PSC to amend the category that the funds will be used in. About 1 week for amendment and then should receive funds of $18,337.40 • Will be contacting Brian Wilson at Star News to set up an interview to provide information about Bug Tussel Towers and how residents can get connected. Other items for the committee: • Billing o Consolidate bills for virtual schooling • Instead of all accounts paying directly can we merge into one account o Low income, get some help with a portion of bill • WTA o Broadband update - Jim Livingston o 2/20 Thur. - Deer Creek • Connect all Town Halls o Need a plan and complete these connections o Most likely Bug Tussel • WaNRack merged with Gateway Fiber o CBRE Investment Management o Blake is VP of sales o Article:https://www.kwikom.com/blog/press-releases/2025/02/03/gateway-fiber- and-wanrack-unite-in-merger/ Adjourn: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by James Stokes, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. Next Meeting: 03/11/25 @ 9:30 Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE January 21, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Rollie Thums, Gene Knoll and Chuck Zenner Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes. Members absent: Kenny Ceaglske Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Tracy Hartwig, Michelle Grimm, Mitch Olson and Andria Farrand (12:46) Other attendees via Zoom: Russell Berg Approve the agenda: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the January 14, 2025 meeting: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Rollie Thums, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. The committee may go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for the committee to meet with potential bead grant partners, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the agreement. N o action will be taken in closed session: Motion by Rollie Thums, seconded by Gene Knoll, to go into closed session. A roll call vote cast, motion carried. The committee was in closed session at 12:32 p.m. The meeting will reconvene in open session: Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to reconvene in open session at 1:36 p.m. Motion carried. Motion by Chuck Zenner, seconded by Sue Swiantek, to approve committee county wide endorsement of Bug Tussel for all BEAD units within Taylor County. A Roll call vote cast, motion carried. 1:44 p.m. Other items for the committee: Discussion with Mitch about monthly communication and better reporting. 3 Towers went live on 1/20/2025. Towers: 64/73, Aurora, Maplehurst along with existing: Interwald, Rib Lake, Water Apple, Deer Creek, Goodrich Adjourn: Motion by Sue Swiantek, seconded by Chuck Zenner, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 1:47 p.m. Next Meeting: 02/12/2025 12:00 p.m. Grant Bub BROADBAND COMMITTEE January 14, 2025 County Board Room, Courthouse Call Meeting to Order: Mike Bub called the meeting to order at 9:29 a.m. Members Present: Sue Swiantek, Chuck Zenner, Kenny Ceaglske, Rollie Thums and Gene Knoll. Members Present via Zoom: James Stokes. Members absent: none. Other Attendees: Grant Bub, Michelle Grimm, Dennis Hinderliter and Andria Farrand. Other attendees via Zoom: Russell Berg and Mitch Olson. Approve the agenda: Motion by Thums, seconded by Zenner, to approve the agenda with 12 items. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of the December 10, 2024 meeting: Motion by Swiantek, seconded by Knoll, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. The committee will go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for the committee to meet with potential bead grant partners, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the agreement. BEAD endorsements may be finalized in closed session: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Ceaglske, to go into closed session at 9:31. A unanimous roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session. The meeting will reconvene in open session pursuant to Section 19.83, Wisconsin State Statutes, to address actions stemming from the closed session: Motion by Thums, seconded by Swiantek, to go back into open session. Motion carried. The committee was in open session at approximately 10:35 a.m. Dennis Hinderliter joined the meeting at 10:35 a.m. Bug Tussel update: Olson stated that the following towers are live; Interwald, Water Apple, Deer Creek, Goodrich and Rib Lake. The Yellow River Rd tower is still working through DNR issues and they are still looking for a site for the Bellinger tower. Broadband Manager report: · APRA funding contract changes: o Distance for free install moved from 200 ft. to 350 ft. o Payment schedule changes: • Changes were made as the original was more backloaded than Bug Tussel was willing to accept, and in accordance with Andy Phillips recommendations we came to a new schedule that was agreed to by both parties. · BEAD PSC timelines. • No changes in timeline. • Endorsements are due when the ISP submits their proposed bid. Bids are due on 2/25/2025. The timeline is the same for ISPs community engagement requirements as well. The committee may go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. sec. 19.85(1)(e), for purposes of discussing county broadband business that has competitive or bargaining reasons, that if discussed in open session, may negatively impact the contractual negotiations regarding the network. No action will be taken in closed session: Motion by Thums, seconded by Swiantek, to go into closed session at approximately 10:51. A unanimous roll call vote cast, the committee was in closed session. The meeting will reconvene in open session: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Thums, to reconvene in open session. Motion carried. The committee was in open session at 12:03 p.m. Other items for the committee: The committee decided to have further discussion with one of the ISP’s before finalizing their endorsements. A meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. We will need to schedule a County Board meeting to have the endorsements approved. The County Board meeting will be on Monday, January 27 th at 9:30 a.m. The next regularly scheduled Broadband meeting is February 11th at 9:30 a.m. Adjourn: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Thums, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 12:04 a.m. Andria Farrand County Clerk