Snowmobile Council

Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting December 5th, 2024 HOSTED BY: Interwald Wanderers at Wild Bill’s Tap, N5216 County Road C, Rib Lake Called to order: 6:37 PM by Dave Roiger Secretary’s Report: Motion made to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed by Dan Roiger. 2nd by Delvin Smith, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Report presented by Dave Roiger for December, see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer’s Report. 1 st Rick Schmitz, 2 nd Leon Long, motion carried. AWSC Report: Bob Meyer and Nick Meyer • Bob Meyer was absent, therefore no report from AWSC. • Discussion ensued about proposed increases to dues and registration. Continue to gather feedback from clubs and provide it to Bob at the next meeting. Bob can then relay response at January executive director meeting. • Bob will be stepping down from AWSC director. Nick Meyer agreed to take over the director’s role. A replacement for Nicks AWSC rep role is needed. Old Business: • Sadie Trawicki was nominated by Ann Weymouth to be the next president of the snowmobile council. No others were nominated. Delvin Smith made a motion to close nomination and cast vote for Sadie to be president, 2 nd by Dan Roiger, motion carried. Sadie was elected president in a unanimous decision. • After the last meeting, Luke Williams was tasked with determining how many maps are at the courthouse. One full box is left. Clubs should spend some time checking their map inventory in case more needs to be printed. • Elaine still has tickets available. Contact her if interested. • Luke Williams has been trying to contact the Forest Service regarding logging near Lake 11 but has been unsuccessful. He will continue to attempt to gather more information. New Business: • Dave Roiger mentioned that some organizational structure should exist amongst clubs when it comes to securing sponsorships for the new maps. This will prevent potential sponsors from being missed and others from being solicited twice. • Delvin Smith informed that the Rock Dodgers will be holding a snowmobile safety class on December 26th and 27th. Next Meeting: Next meeting January 2nd, 2025. Hosted by Whittlesey Whizzers at Chelsea Town Hall, N5917 Settlement Dr., Medford. Adjourn: Motion made and 2 nd to adjourn. 1st by Lynn Jochimsen, 2 nd by Penny Olson, motion carried. Adjourned 6:48 pm Respectfully submitted by: Luke Williams Taylor County Forestry Dept. Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting November 7th, 2024 HOSTED BY: Northwoods Riders at Zondlo’s Bar Called to order: 7:03 PM by Dan Roiger Secretary’s Report: Motion made to accept secretary’s report as mailed/emailed by Delvin Smith. 2nd by Nick Meyer, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Report presented by Elain Emmerich for November, see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer’s Report. 1 st Rick Schmitz, 2 nd Roger Bube, motion carried. AWSC Report: Bob Meyer and Nick Meyer • Bob Meyer and Nick Meyer reported the fall workshop went well with a lot of good discussions, questions, and feedback. • The general session was relatively quiet. • The session on fundraising was well received and put on by 4 groups that are raising significant amounts of money through their fundraising efforts. The information on what they are doing to have so much success is on the AWSC website, and they are willing to help other clubs improve in their fundraising efforts. • Travel Wisconsin is looking for people to report honestly on snow conditions. Luke will contact clubs when the trail conditions change and relay that information on to Travel Wisconsin. • The snowmobile program is down 1.7 million this last year due to lack of snow resulting in less registrations and trail passes being sold. This is resulting in needed projects not being funded. At the director’s meeting, two ideas to address this issue were discussed. One is do nothing and hope for a better year this year and for future years. The other was to consider fee increases. The proposed fee increases are a 3 -year registration going from $30 to $45, the trail passes for residents going from $30 to $40, non - resident trail passes increasing from $50 to $60, and dues to AWSC would increase from $12 to $15-$17. This is only in the discussion phase and Bob encouraged discussion to take place at club meetings to gather feedback and report back to council at future meetings. • KAOS is having a silent auction at the March convention. • The silent auction for scholarship brought in $5,309. The scholarship essay is due January 3, 2025 • Taylor County is still in need of two youth reps. • Bob informed that he plans to end his directorship at the end of the year. Nick would be happy to take over, but someone needs to step in and fill Nick’s role rep role. Old Business: • Dave Roiger was unable to attend the meeting. After discussion, it was decided that it would be best to postpone the election of president until next meeting when Dave will be present. Motion by Penny Olson, 2 nd by Leon Long to table the election for council president until next meet. Motion carried. • Dan Roiger mentioned to make sure that entries get entered into SNARS shortly after the work has been completed and not to wait until the end of the year. • It was decided that the new maps will be printed for the 2025 -26 season. Clubs have all winter to secure sponsors with the deadline for return sponsors forms sometime in spring of 2025. All trail changes should be mapped prior to the printing of the new maps. Contact Luke if you have trail sections than need to be GPS traversed. • Elaine distributed the tickets after the meeting. Any clubs that were not present, contact Elaine. New Business: • Leon Long discussed difficulties in getting vintage sleds registered. Suggested that a DNR liaison should exist. Boy Meyer will be in contact with the AWCS director and report back. • Delvin Smith informed that the Rock Dodgers will be holding a snowmobile safety class on December 26th and 27th. • Anny Weymouth mentioned that she has created a Facebook page that can be used to post council updates, pictures, trail conditions, etc. Contact her for more information on posting or assisting with management of the page. • Scott Zondlo requested that the council meeting that SWAT is hosting at Zondlo’s Bar be changed from March 7 to March 13 due to a scheduling conflict. Leon Long made a motion to switch the meeting to March 13. Rick Schmitz seconded. Motion was carried. Next Meeting: Next meeting December 5th, 2024. Hosted by Interwald Wanderers at Wild Bill’s Tap, N5216 County Road C, Rib Lake. Note this meeting will be at 6:30 due to the Packers vs Lions game later in the evening. Adjourn: Motion made and 2 nd to adjourn. 1 st by Leon Long, 2 nd by Roger Bube, motion carried. Adjourned 8:09 pm Respectfully submitted by: Luke Williams Taylor County Forestry Dept. Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting October 3rd, 2024 HOSTED BY: Moonlite Snokats at Opie and Tammy’s Kountry Korner Called to order: 7:04 PM Secretary’s Report: Report presented by Elain Emmerich. Motion made and 2 nd to accept April minutes as mailed. 1st Matt Roiger, 2nd Roger Bube, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Report presented by Elain Emmerich for October, see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer’s Report. 1 st Rickie Schmitz, 2nd Kirby Jensen, motion carried. AWSC Report: Bob Meyer • The fall workshop is scheduled for October 25 -27 in the Wisconsin Dells at the Wilderness Resort. • KAOS is hosting a backpack/school supply drive. If interested in donating, contact Bob Meyer. • The scholarship committee is conducting a silent auction and looking for donations. • The $20 calendar raffle can be purchased at the workshop. Bob Meyer will also have some available for purchase at the next meeting. • The safety committee is having a signing workshop this fall. • Taylor County is still in need of two youth reps. • Due to lack of snow, no counties got into supplemental last year. Trail pass sales and registrations were down as well. Old Business: • Discussion ensued about logging near Lake 11 on the national forest and the possibility of a re-route being needed. Luke will investigate and report back at the next meeting. • At the April meeting it was decided that map discussion was postponed until next season. Upon discussion, it was decided that new maps should be made, since the old maps are from 2021. Luke will bring the “Snowmobile Map Ad Sponsor” form to the next meeting. The clubs will be responsible for securing sponsors. New Business: • Dave Roiger announced that he is stepping down as president. The election for a new president will occur at the next meeting. • A motion was made by Bob Meyer and seconded by Leon Long to nominate Luke Williams as the secretary. Motion carried. • Bob Meyer reminded everyone to stay in contact with and thank your landowners. • Fun Day is to be hosted by Interwald Wanderer’s at Zondlo’s on February 15. Elaine will bring tickets to the next meeting. • Ann Weymouth offered to create a Facebook page for the council. Luke will work with her to establish and maintain the page. Next Meeting: Next meeting November 7th, 2024. Hosted by Northwoods Wanderers at Zondlo’s Bar, W2407 State Highway 102, Rib Lake. Adjourn: Motion made and 2 nd to adjourn. 1 st by Dan Roiger, 2 nd by Penny Olson, motion carried. Adjourned 7:27 pm Respectfully submitted by: Luke Williams Taylor County Forestry Dept. TAYLOR COUNTY SNOWMOBILE COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 Hosted by Pine Creek Riders at A & E Tavern Secretary's Report: Motion made and 2nd to accept Secretary's Report as mailed/emailed. 1st Bob Schilling 2nd Dan Roiger Treasurer's Report: Report given by Elaine Emmerich; see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer's Report. 1st Rick Schmidt 2nd Kirby Jensen Old Business • AWSC- Bob Meyer reported on several topics from the Convention held in March. 1) Bus Tour and ride on the racetrack was 'cool'. Good side trip from the Convention. 2) State of Wisconsin is redistricting the political boundaries. Taylor County will be split into 2 districts. To find the Senators and Representatives in your district go to legis.wi.gov. 3) Due to the low to no snow season, encouraged clubs to do extra brushing and signing. Can use $300/mile for non-grooming if went out with groomer to check/pack trails. 4) KOAS Auction was $7,875.00. This year the KOAS summer camping is near Wausau. 5) Magazine editor asked that clubs get their events in earlier. 6) Registration and Trail Pass fees may be going up. If your club has any feedback, contact Bob. • Maps -- Since the trails did not open this year, no maps were handed out. Should we keep the supply for one more year? Motion made and 2nd to 'Postpone map discussion until next season'. 1st Delvin Smith, 2nd Penny Olson. New Business • County Forester- Jake has taken a position in Prentice. A new Forester will start April 15, 2024. • Trail Signing -- Nick Meyer has new Signing handbooks for each club. • Elections - Motion was made and 2nd to 'Postpone election of Secretary until October Meeting and all current officers re-elected.' 1st Matt Roiger, 2nd Bob Meyer • Date Reminders -April 26: Hospice Fish Fry I May 17: Youth Expo at Fairgrounds I June 7-9: ISC in Green Bay I August 2-4: National Vintage Show in Duluth. • Next Meeting -OCTOBER 3rd Moonlite SnoKats, place to be determined. • Adjourn - 1st Dan Roiger 2nd Lynn Jochimsen Respectfully submitted by: Elaine Emmerich Temporary Secretary TAYLOR COUNTY SNOWMOBILE COUNCIL MEETING March 7th, 2024 Hosted by Tired Iron Vintage Riders at BS Bar Medford Secretary’s Report: Motion made and 2nd to accept Secretary’s Report as mailed/emailed. 1st Delvin Smith 2nd Lynn Jochimsen Treasurer’s Report: Report given by Elaine Emmerich; see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer’s Report. 1st Rick Schmidt 2nd Dan Roiger Old Business • AWSC – Bob Meyer reminded everyone Convention is March 22 nd -23rd in Elkhart Lake. All the buses for the tours are full. Bob asked if any clubs submitted ballots for him and Nick Meyer (County Rep) to vote at Convention. If your club did and want them to vote for a certain candidate, let him know before the 22nd. • Fun Day – Held Saturday, February 17 th at Zondlo’s Bar in Rib Lake. It was a success. – Elaine handed out the donation checks to the clubs. Again this year, each club received 60% of the proceeds. • New Maps -- Nobody could find the Map Ad forms. President Dave will be talking to Alex. – Any trail changes be sure to have Alex GPS before map printing. – We will discuss it further at the next meeting. New Business • Upcoming Events – 1) March 29th – Northwoods Riders will host Miss Snowflake at their annual Fish Fry. 2) June ? – ISC in Green Bay. This is a BIG Deal for Wisconsin. Lots of information will be exchanged from all over the world. 3) May 17 th – Youth Expo at the Taylor County Fairgrounds. 5 th Graders from several schools in Taylor County and surrounding Counties. Steve and Wendy Thums will be representing the Snowmobile Clubs and would appreciate more help. 4) August 2nd to 4th – National Vintage Show in Duluth Minnesota. • Next Meeting – APRIL 4th at A&E Tavern, hosted by Pine Creek Riders club. • Adjourn – 1st Penny Olson 2nd Roger Bube Respectfully submitted by: Elaine Emmerich Interim Secretary TAYLOR COUNTY SNOWMOBILE COUNCIL MEETING February 1st, 2024 Hosted by Jump River Runners at Back 40 Bar / Lublin Secretary's Report: Motion made and 2 nd to accept Secretary's Report as mailed/emailed. 1s t Delvin Smith 2" Bob Schilling Treasurer's Report: Report given by Elaine Emmerich; see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer's Report. 1st Rick Schmidt 2' Steve Thums Old Business • AWSC — Bob Meyer reported on several topics. 1) There will be only one vote per club at Convention. Clubs can designate either the County Director or Rep to vote for them. 2) Convention is March 22 -24 at Elkhart Lake. 3) Vice President of AWSC is not running for re - election. Looking for a candidate. 4) ISC is in Green Bay this year, June 13 -15. 5) There are still some AWSC raffle calendars available. If you want calendars, give Bob the money and he will order them. • Trail fixes -- The hole on the trail south of Center on the Rail Trail has been fixed. Not sure if the hole on 102 trail has been fixed. • Fun Day -- February 17th at Zondlo's Bar in Rib Lake. Scott Zondlo reported there will be vintage sleds and 3-wheelers on display along with a bonfire, games, raffles and good food. It is preferred if you get your tickets and money to Elaine before the day. • Northwoods Riders -- Compliments to the club for putting on a great 40th Anniversary party! New Business • New Maps -- Sell ads! Will need to get more information and the ad form from Alex. • Reimbursement -- The question came up — If the trails do not open, how do the clubs get reimbursed? It was discussed the different trail maintenance work that can be done. • Next Meeting — MARCH 7th at BS Bar, hosted by the Tired Iron Vintage club. • Adjourn — 1st Scott Zondlo 2nd Lynn Jochimsen Respectfully submitted by: Elaine Emmerich Interim Secretary Taylor County Snowmobile Council Meeting January 4th, 2024 HOSTED BY: Stump Jumpers at BS Bar Called to order: 7:01 PM Secretary’s Report: Motion made and 2 nd to accept December minutes as mailed. 1 st Delvin Smith, 2nd Nick Meyer, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Report presented by Elain Emmerich for January, see attached for details. Motion made and 2nd to accept Treasurer’s Report. 1 st Matt Roiger, 2nd Rickie Schmitz, motion carried. AWSC Report: Bob Meyer and Nick Meyer • By-laws are going through a few changes. There will now be one vote per club, regardless of club size. Some other cleanup language as well. Old Business: • Black River Rock Dodgers had their safety class. Eighteen students attended and it went very well. They plan to do another safety class next season. • The Joe Creek timber sale on the USFS land off of Mauer Drive is expected to be active this winter. • There is a hole in the 102 trail near Little Rib Road and in the Pine Line south of Center Ave. Alex Solawetz at the County Forestry Department is working at address both of these. • Calendar of Events Update: April 4th Council meeting hosted by Pine Creek Riders will be at the A&E Tavern. New Business: • Walcisak announced his departure from the Forestry Department. After 11 years with Taylor County, he will now be working as a statewide forestry specialist for the DNR and will be stationed in Prentice. Walcisak introduced Alex Solawetz. Alex is the Forestry Department Assistant Forest Administrator and will be the club’s point of contact until Walcisak’s successor is named. Elaine Emmerich has agreed to serve as the County Council secretary for February, March and April of this year. Elaine will provide Alex with minutes, treasurer’s reports, calendar of events updates and club officer contact updates. Alex will attend these meetings as well. The Forestry Department will still be responsible for distributing this information both through email and USPS. • Please enter maintenance activities into SNARS no more than 30 days from when they occur. • Bob Meyer asked that all Snowmobile Grooming Association clubs remember to enter their annual non -grooming maintenance into SNARS or get it to someone who can. Reimbursement of this work is important to the Association. • Discussion and an update occurred regarding the past youth rep project. Please contact Nick Meyer for any questions. • Steve Thums reminded everyone of the importance of proper trail signing. Please see the following link for the Wisconsin DNR Trail Signing Handbook. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Aid/grants/CF0023.pdf • On February 10 th the Kennan/Catawba Drift Splitters are hosting the grand opening of the warming shack located on Steve Creek Flowage Road about ¼ mile north of the Taylor County line. This is part of the Price-Taylor connector trail. • Scott Zondlo has promotional signs available for distribution regarding the upcoming Fun Day hosted by SWAT at Zondlo’s on February 17th. Next Meeting: Next meeting February 1st, 2024. Hosted by Jump River Runners at The Back 40, W14393 County Road F, Lublin. Adjourn: Motion made and 2 nd to adjourn. 1 st by Leon Long, 2 nd by Scott Zondlo, motion carried. Adjourned 7:27 pm Respectfully submitted by: Jake Walcisak Taylor County Forestry Dept.