Natural Resources Committee — Minutes

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2026 Draft Minutes Pending Committee Approval 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Natural Resources Committee was held in room A-200 at the Administration Center. Present Supervisor Rob Holyoke, Supervisor Tony Matera, Supervisor Kurt Schoessow, Supervisor Todd Ambs, Supervisor Daniel Vogel Absent None Excused None Staff present: County Administrator Dzwinel, Budget Analyst Wittek, Land & Water Director Vogeler, Extension Director Carroll, Planning and Parks Director Struck, Deputy Register of Deeds Van Eimeren, GIS Manager Erwin, Deputy County Clerk Hoff Others present: Chris Rogan, Mark Harris, Scott and Joan Bostwick 2. Proper Notice Chairperson Holyoke called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. The clerk noticed the meeting as required. 3. Public Comments, Correspondence, Communications Chris Rogan passed out a handout and addressed his concerns about the lack of permanent signage at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Mark Harris supported Chris Rogan's statements. Scott Bostwick expressed concerns about the Mineral Springs Nature Preserve, previously known as Oakland Green Park, highlighting dissatisfaction regarding the removal of trees perceived as unnecessary and connected to grant funding. He noted a broader issue of distrust between the community and Ozaukee County. 4. Approval of Minutes September 3, 2026 Motion: Motion to approve the September 3, 2026 minutes as submitted. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 5. University Extension Office a. Discussion Item 1. UW Extension County Needs Assessment Ms. Carroll addressed the committee regarding the Wisconsin Counties Association and the statewide assessment for the County. She asked the committee members to state the challenges they see the County faces, which include affordable housing, urban sprawl, small business engagement, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. Positive feedback was received concerning the expansion of 4-H programs. A discussion ensued regarding the local presence and impact of the UW Extension and 4-H in contrast to statewide efforts. It was agreed to send a follow-up communication to the committee. b. Management/Financial/Informational Reports There were no questions. 6. Land Information a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports Mr. Erwin introduced himself to the committee and provided an overview of the monthly reports. 7. Register of Deeds a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports There were no questions. 8. Land and Water Management Department a. Action Items 1. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 2027 Clean Sweep and Hazardous Waste Collection Grant Contract Motion: Motion to approve the application and acceptance of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 2027 Clean Sweep and Hazardous Waste Collection Grant. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 2. WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 2027 Producer-Led Grant 2027 Grant Application and Acceptance for Milwaukee River Watershed, Clean Farm Families Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Producer Led Grant 2027 for Clean Farm Families Soil Health. Result: Passed Moved by: Daniel Vogel Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 3. Fund For Lake Michigan 2027 Grant Application and Acceptance to Support Clean Farm Families Motion: Motion to approve the application and acceptance of the 2027 Fund for Lake Michigan Grant for Clean Farm Families Soil Health. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None b. Management/Financial/Informational Reports Ms. Vogeler reported that the Land and Water Management Department is seeking to collaborate with the University Extension Office on additional projects. 9. Planning and Parks Department a. Action Items 1. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for a Multi-Use Pedestrian Bridge Over Cedar Creek as part of the East-West Extension of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Along State Highway 60 Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $869,000 for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for construction of a multi-use pedestrian bridge over Cedar Creek adjacent to State Highway 60 in conjunction with the east-west Ozaukee Interurban Trail improvement project and a Wisconsin Department of Transportation road resurfacing project for upgrading STH 60. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Todd Ambs Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 2. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Management - Surface Water Restoration Grant to Support Stream Restoration Activities on Sucker Creek Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Management - Surface Water Restoration grant program for stream restoration activities on Sucker Creek. The resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Todd Ambs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 3. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Management - Surface Water Management Plan Implementation Grant to Support Wetland, Floodplain and Habitat Restoration Activities on Sucker Creek Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Management - Surface Water Management Plan Implementation grant program for wetland, floodplain and habitat restoration activities on Sucker Creek. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Daniel Vogel Seconded by: Todd Ambs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 4. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Planning Grant to Support Aquatic Plant Surveys, Bathymetric Mapping and Water Quality Monitoring on Inland Lakes in Ozaukee County The committee inquired about the results obtained from the lake survey. Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Planning – Lakes and Rivers grant program for aquatic plant surveys and water quality monitoring on inland lakes in Ozaukee County. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 5. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Planning – Lakes and Rivers Grant to Support Ozaukee County Inland Lakes and Impoundments Fisheries Assessments Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Planning – Lakes and Rivers grant program for comprehensive fisheries surveys on inland lakes and impoundments in Ozaukee County. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 6. Submittal and Acceptance of a US Forest Service Community Forest Program Grant for Acquiring Parcel 040271000200 in the Town of Fredonia Per 59.52(6)(A) and 27.065(1)(A) Wisconsin Statutes as part of the Hawthorne Hills and Waubedonia Project Area in the Adopted Park and Open Space Plan for Ozaukee County: 2050 (4th Edition) for Addition to the Ozaukee County Park System Supervisor Matera questioned the Planning & Parks Department's project volume. Mr. Struck provided clarification, noting that these represent continuations of earlier initiatives. Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the U.S. Forest Service Community Forest Program for the acquisition of parcel 04-027-10-002.00 within the Hawthorne Hills and Waubedonia Project Area in the adopted Park and Open Space Plan for Ozaukee County: 2050 (4th Edition) for addition to the Ozaukee County Park System Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Dan Vogel Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 7. Submittal and Acceptance of an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant for a Multi-Use Bicycle / Pedestrian Bridge Over Cedar Creek as part of the East-West Extension of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Along State Highway 60 Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the National Parks Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program for the design and construction of a multiuse bicycle pedestrian bridge over Cedar Creek adjacent to State Highway 60 in conjunction with the east-west Ozaukee Interurban Trail improvement project and a WisDOT road project for resurfacing STH 60. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 8. Submittal and Acceptance of a Fund For Lake Michigan Grant for Habitat Restoration at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Fund for Lake Michigan to fund habitat restoration at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Dan Vogel Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 9. Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grant for Public Access Improvements at Tendick County Nature Park Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to support public access improvements at Tendick Nature County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Todd Ambs Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 10. Submittal and Acceptance of a Greater Cedarburg Foundation Grant for an Open Air Pavilion at Covered Bridge County Park Mr. Struck provided clarification regarding the pavilion's location and its impact on the park. Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Cedarburg Foundation for construction of an open-air pavilion shelter building at Covered Bridge County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Dan Vogel Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 11. Proposal and Contract for Virmond County Park Barn Painting Discussion on the rationale behind repainting the barns and CertaPro Painters quote. Motion: Motion to accept the proposal from CertaPro Painters and approve a contractual services contract, contingent upon Corporation Counsel approval, with CertaPro painters for a not-to-exceed sum of $14,460, which includes an approximate 15% contingency to cover any potential change orders or unforeseen costs, for repainting the barns at Virmond County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Daniel Vogel Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 12. Bid and Contract for a Solar Electric PV System in the Ozaukee County Parks System The performance of the solar panels is consistent with data comparisons to other systems. Mr. Wittek indicated that performance issues are not a cause for concern, as they are factored into the return on investment (ROI). Furthermore, there was discussion regarding the placement of the panels and the integration of storage and batteries. Motion: Motion to accept the bid from Eagle Point Solar and approve a contract, contingent upon terms satisfactory to the Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel, with Eagle Point Solar for a not-to-exceed amount of $257,208, which includes 15% contingency to cover any potential change orders and associated expenses, for the Solar Electric PV Systems in the Ozaukee County Park System project. Result: Passed Moved by: Daniel Vogel Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 13. Bid and Contract for Public Access Improvements at Tendick Nature County Park Motion: Motion to accept the bid from Elite Builds, Inc. and approve a contract, contingent upon terms satisfactory to the Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel, with Elite Builds, Inc., for a not-to-exceed sum of $337,888, which includes a 15% contingency to cover any potential change orders, to construct an overlook structure and ADA ramp at Tendick Nature County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Todd Ambs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None 14. Proposal and Contract for Security Cameras in the Ozaukee County Park System Discussion on the potential installation of a surveillance camera at the Lions Den stairway to enhance security and monitor activity in the area. The discussion also addressed the complexities of electrical installation and hardwiring requirements associated with stairway camera systems. Motion: Motion to accept the proposal from Code Red Security and approve a contract, contingent upon Corporation Counsel approval, with Code Red Security for a not- to-exceed sum of $62,005, which includes an approximate 15% contingency to cover any potential change orders, for providing and installing security cameras in the Ozaukee County Park System. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow, Todd Ambs, Daniel Vogel Nays: None Abstain: None b. Discussion Items 1. Update on Planning and Parks Department Capital Projects and Planning and Parks Department Ecological Division Projects Mr. Struck provided an overview of the department's active initiatives and recent accomplishments. Current efforts include the AmeriCorps Team's tree-planting activities and collaboration with the Ozaukee County Historical Society, along with projects completed by the WisCorps Team. Additional accomplishments included closing out grants for the County Highway W/Milwaukee River Oxbow project and conducting a tour of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) projects. He also highlighted ongoing involvement with the Fredonia Lions Club, Rotary Club activities, and various initiatives in Port Washington. 2. Mineral Springs Creek Nature Preserve (formerly Oakland Green Park) Mr. Struck clarified that the trees are cataloged by the Department of Natural Resources as part of its invasive species management initiatives. To date, three replacement trees have been planted to restore vegetation in areas where trees were removed. He also addressed questions regarding the grant’s validity, explaining that the removal of the trees was consistent with the grant’s designated purpose of invasive species management. Mr. Bostwick expressed concerns about the lack of informational signage explaining the tree removal activities and their purpose. He emphasized the need for greater transparency and communication between county officials and the community. He also questioned whether financial considerations influenced the tree removal program and sought clarification on the criteria used to classify species as invasive. An unidentified citizen echoed these concerns regarding the lack of communication between the county and the community and emphasized the need for signage explaining the project and its objectives. 3. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Public Access Signage is currently under review by Corporation Counsel following feedback from residents. Discussions are also underway regarding the potential installation of cameras. Ongoing maintenance efforts include removing accumulated trash from the beach to maintain cleanliness. 4. WEDC Grant - Waubeka Mill and Button Factory The underwriting process is being conducted prior to contract finalization. Phase 1 will be completed before proceeding with final underwriting approval on the grant. Mr. Struck provided clarification regarding the grant details. 5. Ozaukee Interurban Trail State Highway 60 E/W Extension - Engineering and Design Contract Mr. Struck stated parcels, which must now be incorporated in the project, has prompted the need for extension. c. Management/Financial/Informational Reports Update on staffing, golf facilities performance, and the progress of the irrigation system at Meekwon Park. 10. Next Meeting Date November 5, 2026 11. Adjournment Motion made by Supervisor Matera, seconded by Supervisor Schoessow, to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:58 AM. Anna Hoff, Deputy County Clerk