Board of Supervisors Meeting — Minutes

Minutes of the March 19, 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Sawyer County Courthouse/Virtual Voting Committee Members Present (X) Roll Call Dis tric t Wards Steve Kariainen 01 T Lenroot W-1, T Hayward W-7, C Hayward W-5 Kay Wilson 02 T Lenroot W-2, T Round Lake W-1 Tweed Shuman 03 T Hayward W-1 & 2 Stacey Hessel 04 T Hayward W-3 & 4 Randy Neumann- Excused 05 T Hayward W-5 & 6 Marc D. Helwig- Excused 06 C Hayward W-1 & 2 Thomas W. Duffy 07 C Hayward W-3 & 4 Marshal Savitski 08 T Bass Lake W-1 & 2 Jim Evans 09 T Bass Lake W-3 & 4 Chuck Van Etten 10 T Sand Lake, T Edgewater W-1 Jeff Hoehne 11 T Edgewater W-2, T Bass Lake W-5, T Meteor, T Couderay, V Couderay John Righeimer- Excused 12 T Spider Lake, T Round Lake W-2, T Winter W-1 Ron Kinsley 13 T Hunter, T Radisson W-1, T-Ojibwa W-1, V Radisson Ron Buckholtz 14 T Radisson W-2, T Ojibwa W-2, T Weirgor, V Exeland, T Meadowbrook Dale Magnuson 15 T Winter W-2, T Draper, V Winter Also present: Mike Markgren, Liz Klein, Doug Mrotek, Bryan Deyo, Jim Miller, Chanz Green, Bill Johnson, DJ Aderman Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance– Chair Kinsley called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Roll call was taken; quorum was met. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Meeting Agenda – Set Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Recognition of Outgoing County Board Members—Chairman Kinsley presented plaques recognizing Thomas Duffy for sixteen years of service on the County Board, and Dale Magnuson for one year. Johnson Timber Presentation—Representative Chanz Green, co-author of the Forestry Revitalization Bill, announced that the Senate approved the bill and it is now on its way to Governor Evers’ desk for signing. Bill Johnson spoke to the board about the passage of the Forestry Revitalization Act and the economic benefit it will bring to Sawyer County. DJ Aderman provided details on the forestry aspect of the project. Minutes from the previous meeting dated: February 19, 2026 Motion to approve by: Mr. Evans Second by: Mr. Van Etten Motion carried without negative vote. Zoning Committee – Mr. Buckholtz reported on Zoning Committee actions on 5 CUPs; the committee will discuss solar and other ordinance amendments at its next meeting. Aerial technology will be used to identify and enforce zoning violations. Public Works Committee— Mr. Evans updated the Board on department reports for Maintenance, Airport, Highway. The Ad-hoc Committee met with Tribal members on March 2 to discuss ATV routes and the WOJB tower. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 30. Mr. Markgren presented a resolution from WCHA requesting the state continue funding LRIP and ARIP funding. Resolution 2026-____ Transportation Funding was approved on a motion by: Mr. Buckholtz Second by: Mr. Evans Motion carried without negative vote. Public Safety Committee — Mr. Buckholtz reviewed the Clerk of Courts, Sheriff’s Department, Jail, Emergency Management, Dispatch, Child Support, Code Enforcement and Emergency Services reports for the board. Land, Water and Forest Resources Committee— Mr. Kariainen reported that the committee heard a presentation by Bill Johnson and DJ Aderman on the Forestry Revitalization Act. He reviewed the Register of Deeds, Land Records, Surveyor, Forestry, Zoning Conservation and Trails reports. The treasurer updated the committee on the upcoming sales of foreclosed properties. Mr. Markgren presented a request from Ramy Seed Company to remove county restrictions on property they want to sell. The map and restrictions were discussed. Mr. Buckholtz raised concerns on behalf of the Town of Meadowbrook regarding the town road and condemned culverts that need replacing, associated with a failing dam. Mr. Buckholtz requested time to contact Mr. Ramy before action by the county board. Motion to table Resolution 2026-____Removing Certain County Quit Claim Deed Guarantee From Ramy Seed Company Properties for one month by: Mr. Kariainen Second by: Mr. Buckholtz Motion carried without negative vote. Finance Report - Ms. Hessel provided an update on county finances and department budgets and informed the board that the committee moved to separate the Finance Department from Administration. Mr. Markgren presented a resolution supported by other counties requesting the state to allow changes to the levy limits, tying the levy to CPI instead of net new construction, which is typically 1.2-1.4% in Sawyer County. The resolution sets a cap of 3.5% on the potential increase. Resolution 2026-____ CPI Legislative Action to Address County Finding was approved on a motion by: Ms. Hessel Second by: Mr. Van Etten Motion carried with one opposed. HHS Report— Ms. Wilson reported on the March 10 meeting of the HHS Board and shared reports from LCO, HHS, ADRC and Adult Protective Services, Community Support and Mobile Crisis, Child Protective Services, Youth Justice, Economic Support and Public Health. Statistics on respiratory illness and measles cases were shared. Economic Development and UW Extension Committee— Ms. Hessel gave the Economic Development and UW Extension Committee report. The Forestry Revitalization Act passed in the Assembly and Senate and will go before Governor Evers March 20. Administration Report— Mr. Kinsley reported that the Administration Committee met and heard reports from the County Clerk, Veterans, IT, and HR departments, and the County Administrator. Mr. Kinsley reviewed the Veterans Service Office Report and stated that Mr. Elliott is doing an outstanding job providing service to our county Veterans. A proposed design was viewed, the demolition contract was awarded, and the Veterans Tribute is moving forward. County Administrator’s Report— Mr. Markgren reported on professional development during the March Department Head meeting, Adam Lamoureaux stepping down from the EDC, 60th Annual Governor’s Fishing Opener in Sawyer County on Nelson Lake, Finance Department updates including the separation of Finance from Administration and promotion of Rhandi Ehn to Finance Director, welcoming Northwest Region VSO officers to a local training event, the Public Safety radio towers, and an upcoming meeting with Anew on carbon credits. CJCC met on March 11—Mr. Markgren reported CJCC is seeking another grant for Deflection. Board Appointed Committee Updates— Mr. Kariainen reported on a recent NWRPC meeting where participants participated in work groups to help develop a strategic plan for the organization to better serve the community. Five members from Sawyer County were present. Correspondence, Reports from Conferences and Meetings- Mr. Buckholtz reported on Namekagon Transit. Mr. Kinsley reported that WCA is looking for members to serve on an insurance committee. Ms. Hessel reported that the funeral for local Veteran Tim Zurn was held today. Mr. Shuman asked about the progress of the Public Works Ad-hoc Committee and issues meeting with Tribal members. Future Agenda Items- Organizational Meeting for New County Board is Tuesday, April 21 Meeting Adjourned at 7:53 pm Next meeting: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Time: 6:30pm Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk