Land & Water + UW-Extension – 2026-05-13 – Minutes

Marquette County Land and Water and UW-Extension Committee Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – County Board Room, Montello The meeting was also virtual/recorded. Meeting Minutes Present: Ken Borzick, John Bennett, Eli Schmudlach, Pat Kilbey, Ron Barger, Chuck Bornhoeft, Pat Wagner Let the record show that Committee Members Present were: John Bennett, Eli Schmudlach, and Ken Borzick. Larry H. was absent.. Also in attendance were Ron Barger, Administrator, and Danny Buchholz, IT Department. Barger called the Meeting to Order Motion Borzick, 2nd Bennett to approve Agenda as presented. Motion Carried. Barger opened the floor for nomination of Committee Chairperson. Bennett nominated Ken Borzick. Barger closed nominations and moved a motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Borzick. Motion Carried Borzick asked the Committee about nominating a Vice Chairman if he was to get voted as Chairman for another committee. Discussion was had. Motion Borzick, 2nd Schmudlach to nominate Bennett as Vice Chairman. Motion Carried. Chairman Borzick resumed meeting. Discussion was had on Committee Assignments for Golden Sands RC&D. Borzick agreed to stay on as County Representative to RC&D. Motion Bennett, 2nd Borzick to approve February 2026 Land Conservation Minutes. Motion Carried Motion Bennett, 2nd Borzick to approve February 2026 Extension Education Committee Minutes. Motion Carried Citizens’ Input- none Land and Water Department: LWCD Report: Kilbey handed out monthly reports for Feb-April. DATCP reporting, FPP Status reviews, 2026 projects, Nutrient management Farmer training, cover crop sign up and 9-Key Element Plan status were all discussed. Agriculture Report: Bennett reported planting is underway and that Alfalfa is looking good for upcoming 1st cutting. Discussion was had on Lake Association Representative and how they are appointed. Kilbey handed out LCC Training invites hosted by Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Association. Kilbey urged Committee members to attend the June 5th training in Oshkosh and asked them to let him know. Tree Sale preliminary report was handed out with 44,000 trees being sold to 346 customers. Kilbey explained sale history, County owned planter and DNR involvement in the tree program. Kilbey presented 6 grants for approval through the annual AIS grant along with Marquette County Lakes Association (MCLA). Seven Associations applied with one being rejected. Motion Bennett, 2nd Schmudlach to approve grants as vetted by Kilbey and MCLA as the following: $500 grants (Wood and Kilby Lakes). $250 grants (Twin, Puckaway, Montello & Comstock Lakes). Motion Carried. February-April 2026 expenses were reviewed and discussed. UW-Extension Department: Educator Reports: Written reports were shared with the committee by Christa VanTreeck, 4-H Youth Development Educator and Hannah Zellmer, Human Development and Relationships Educator. Each shared highlights of their current programming. Area Extension Director Report: Pat Wagner shared a Welcome Letter with the newly organized committee. It included a video describing UW-Madison Extension. Vouchers – no questions Report of Land and Water and UW-Extension Committee Members a. Reports of official meetings held in the prior month i. Fair Committee - The Fair Board has been working through insurance for fair and related events. No carnival for 2026 fair. Fair intern is Izzy McReath and Jr. Fairest of the Fair is Molly Groskreutz. ii. Other Meetings -- None Next Meeting Date - the next meeting will be June 9, 2026 at 8 a.m. Adjourn-Borzick declared the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Pat Kilbey, Land and Water Department Head Pat Wagner, Area Extension Director