Administration Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the April 9, 2026 Sawyer County Administration Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members (X) Present: Others Present: Chair: Ron Kinsley Mike Markgren Vice Chair: Ron Buckholtz Liz Klein Tom Duffy Gary Elliot John Righeimer Jay Kozlowski- Virtual Stacey Hessel- Excused Call to Order –Chair Ron Kinsley called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call taken; quorum was met. Meeting Agenda – Set Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Minutes from the previous meeting dated: March 12, 2026 Motion to approve by: Mr. Duffy Second by: Mr. Righeimer Motion carried without negative vote. Appointments to LEPC— Motion to approve the recommended appointments to LEPC for confirmation by the County Board by: Mr. Buckholtz Second by: Mr. Duffy Motion carried without negative vote. County Clerk Report- Ms. Klein provided a written department report and updated the committee on dog license sales, preparations for the April election, PIO training, and letters from students to the County Board. Veterans Service Office Report - Mr. Elliot provided a written report of March department activity: 499 phone calls, 1157 letters/emails/faxes sent and 232 office visits. VSO contacts have been steadily increasing. 48 disability claims have been filed to date with $216,474.66 awarded in Veterans’ favor. The department is co-hosting counseling sessions at La Crosse Vet Center and Coffee & Conversation; the social media report was provided. The department is experiencing increased workload and delays of claims due to federal VA mishandling of claims. Veteran’s Tribute Update- Design/construction update- Mr. Markgren reported that the site is now razed and JR Excavating did a good job. He presented an alternative design for the Tribute with brick or split block wall design. The committee discussed the water supply to the fountain (city water vs. electric pump) and will speak to the city to get a cost comparison. Motion to get bids on Ms. Hessel’s proposed design and Mr. Markgren’s proposed design by: Mr. Righeimer Second: Mr. Buckholtz Motion carried without negative vote. Information Technology Department Report - Mr. Coleson provided a written IT report on ongoing IT projects. Ms. Klein thanked him for IT support on election night and Mr. Markgren concurred that Mr. Coleson and Mr. Butterfield provide excellent service to the staff. Human Resources Report - A written report was provided on staffing and recruiting for open positions within the county. Mr. Markgren noted that the county continues to get good responses and applicants for open positions. Zoning—Solar Moratorium Ordinance Discussion— A discussion on renewing, extending or approving the Zoning Solar Moratorium Ordinance addressed the pending expiration deadline and timeframe to act within notice deadlines of zoning committee and County Board meetings. Mr. Kozlowski stated the towns have the proposed Ordinance with Zoning Committee recommended changes- if more time is needed for town feedback, there is still time to notice and hear the issue in May. County Administrator’s Report—Mr. Markgren reported that Administrative Professionals’ Day is April 22, April 12- 18 is National Telecommunicators’ Week and May 1 is the Governor’s Fishing Opener banquet. The Sawyer County/LCO EDC conducted interviews for an executive director, Finance is working on year-end transfers, the 2025 audit and starting the 2027 Budget process in May. Mr. Markgren attended the Ad-hoc Committee meeting with tribal members, an AI Forum hosted by UW Extension, and will attend a state airport seminar with Derek Leslie April 22-23. The County’s carbon credits are listed for sale on the market now. The Veterans’ Tribute demo is complete, and Justice Point received good feedback from a recent TAD site visit. Board Appointed Committee Updates – Mr. Buckholtz will attend the Namekagon Transit meeting today. Correspondence, reports from conferences and meetings– Mr. Kinsley reported on a successful ad-hoc committee meeting with Tribal members. Future Agenda Items- Elect Chair and Vice Chair, review meeting times Adjournment – 10:53 am Next Meeting: May 14, 2026 Time: 10:00 am Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk