Natural Resources Committee - Administration Center — Minutes

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2026 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 Bruce Ross, Supervisor Barbara Jobs, Supervisor Tony Matera, Supervisor Kurt Schoessow Absent None Excused None Staff present: County Administrator Dzwinel, Human Resources Director McDonell, Land and Water Management Director Vogeler, Planning & Parks Director Struck, Register of Deeds Laurin, Area Extension Director Carroll, 4- H Educator Quinlan, County Clerk Kretlow, Deputy Clerk Hoff Others present: Supervisor Vogel, and Attolles Law, SC Attorney Ben Conrad 2. PROPER NOTICE Chairperson Holyoke called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The clerk noticed the meeting as required. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE, COMMUNICATIONS There were none. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 5, 2026 Motion: Motion to approve the March 5, 2026 minutes as submitted. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 5. UNIVERSITY EXTENSION OFFICE a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports New Extension Director, Pattie Carroll, reintroduced herself to the committee. Ms. Carroll gave an update on staffing and how the department can work to better the county. Ms. Quinlan highlighted the status of the Youth Summer Camp, the department's partnership with Cedarburg School District, and funding for 4-H scholarships. 6. REGISTER OF DEEDS/LAND INFORMATION a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports There were no questions. 7. LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports Discussion on Demo Farm Network and Clean Sweep's location. Ms. Voegler distributed 2026 Clean Sweep information. 8. PLANNING AND PARKS DEPARTMENT a. Action Items 1. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Great Lakes Sportfisherman Donation for the Underwater Camera at the Milwaukee River Mequon Thiensville Dam Fishway Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $1,390 for the Great Lakes Sport Fisherman - Ozaukee Chapter donation for the underwater camera replacement at the Milwaukee River Mequon Thiensville Dam Fishway. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 2. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund Grant to Support Trail Development and Boardwalk Construction at Ulao Creek Nature Preserve County Park Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $1,000 for the Natural Resources Foundation Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund grant for trail development and boardwalk construction at Ulao Creek Nature Preserve County Park. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 3. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. Grant for Invasive Species Management at Hawthorne Hills County Park Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $2,000 for the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. grant for invasive species management in Hawthorne Hills County Park. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 4. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Coastal Program Grant for Habitat Restoration at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $150,000 for a US Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Coastal Program grant to fund habitat restoration at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 5. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wetland General Permit Surcharge Restoration Program Grant for the Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Historic Riparian Floodplain, Wetlands and Oxbow Habitat Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $30,000 for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wetland General Permit Surcharge Restoration Program grant to support reconnection of the Milwaukee River to historic riparian floodplain, wetlands and oxbow as part of the CTH W road reconstruction and restoration project and Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve (County Park) in the Village of Saukville. This budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 6. Submittal and Acceptance of a Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition Grant to Host Tours at Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Federal Water Infrastructure Investments Supported Fish Passage and Coastal Parks Project Areas and Habitat Restoration Sites Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition to host tours at Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Federal Water Infrastructure Investments supported fish passage and coastal parks project areas and habitat restoration sites. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 7. Submittal and Acceptance of a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – National Coastal Resilience Fund Grant for the Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Historic Riparian Floodplain, Wetlands and Oxbow Habitat Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project Mr. Struck provided an update on the grant's implementation timeline. Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant by the Planning and Parks Department to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation - National Coastal Resilience Fund for the Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Historic Riparian Floodplain, Wetlands and Oxbow Habitat Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 8. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of Outdoor Recreation Trail Aids - County Snowmobile Trail Aids Funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for the submittal and acceptance of Outdoor Recreation Trail Aids - County Snowmobile Trail Aids Funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 9. Resolution: Declaration of the Last Week of March as “Fair Housing Week” in Ozaukee County Discussion regarding the rationale behind this grant being processed through the Planning & Parks Department. Motion: Motion to approve the resolution declaring the last week of March as “Fair Housing Week” in Ozaukee County. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 10. Bid and Contract for the Sugar Maple Nature School Storage Building Project Mr. Struck provided a more in depth explanation of the rejection of bids. Motion: Motion to reject all bids for the Sugar Maple Nature School Storage Building Project. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 11. Proposal and Contract for Professional Archaeological and Cultural Resource Construction Observation Monitoring Services for the Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Historic Riparian Floodplain, Wetlands and Oxbow Habitat Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project Discussion on archeological findings and effects on project cost and timeline. Motion: Motion to approve the negotiation and signing of a professional services contract change order amendment amount of $19,900 by the Planning and Parks Department with the Wisconsin Historical Society not to exceed total sum of $66,400 for archeological and cultural resource construction observation monitoring services for the Milwaukee River Oxbow Nature Preserve Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Historic Riparian Floodplain, Wetlands and Oxbow Habitat Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 12. Contract for Professional Services for Design and Engineering for a Culvert Replacement Project at Little Menomonee Fish and Wildlife Nature Preserve County Park Discussion regarding the need and location of the culvert. Motion: Motion to approve the negotiation and signing of a professional services contract by the Planning and Parks Department with Fish Creek Restoration LLC not to exceed sum of $7,200 for the design, engineering and construction related services for a culvert replacement project at Little Menomonee Fish and Wildlife Preserve County Park. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 13. Change Order for Professional Services for Design and Engineering for Virmond County Park Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management Motion: Motion to approve the negotiation and signing of a professional services contract change order amendment amount of $28,230 by the Planning and Parks Department with Emmons & Oliver Resources, Inc. for a total not to exceed sum of $79,397 for design and engineering services for ongoing Virmond County Park green infrastructure and stormwater management. This contract amendment is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 14. Proposal and Contract for Professional Architectural Services for Design and Engineering for the New Bathroom Building to Support the Public Campground at Hawthorne Hills County Park Motion: Motion to approve negotiation and signing of a professional services contract by the Planning and Parks Department with Kueny Architects, L.L.C., not to exceed sum of $43,166, which includes an approximate 15% contingency, for professional architectural design and engineering services for the new bathroom building to support the public campground at Hawthorne Hills County Park. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 15. Proposal and Contract for Professional Architectural Services for Design and Engineering for the Overlook Structure and ADA Ramp at Tendick Nature Park Discussion regarding the utilization of the same firm for proposals and contracts and how there has been only positive feedback on projects completed by Kueny Architects, LLC. Motion: Motion to approve negotiation and signing of a professional services contract by the Planning and Parks Department with Kueny Architects, L.L.C., for a not to exceed sum of $19,866, which includes an approximate 20% contingency, for professional architectural design and engineering services for the overlook structure and ADA ramp at Tendick Nature Park. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 16. Proposal and Contract for Professional Architectural Services for Design and Engineering for the Pedestrian Bridge at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park Motion: Motion to Approve negotiating and signing of a professional services contract by the Planning and Parks Department with Kueny Architects, L.L.C. for a not-to- exceed sum of $36,120, which includes an approximate 20% contingency to cover any potential change orders, for professional architectural design and engineering services for the pedestrian bridge over Cedar Gorge at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 17. Proposal and Contract for Professional Architectural Services for Design and Engineering for the Visitor / Nature Center at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park Mr. Struck clarified that there are no additional costs to finalize the project with Kueny Architects, LLC without requiring a change order. Motion: Motion to approve negotiating and signing of a professional services contract by the Planning and Parks Department with Kueny Architects, L.L.C. for a not-to- exceed sum of $132,020, which includes an approximate 20% contingency to cover any potential change orders, for professional architectural design and engineering services for the visitor/nature center at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. This contract is contingent upon negotiation of professional services contract terms satisfactory to the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Tony Matera Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 18. Bid and Contract for Construction Related Services for Ecologically Sensitive Lake Michigan Public Access at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park Motion: Motion to accept the bid from About Nature, LLC and approve the contractual services contract, contingent upon approval of the construction contract to the satisfaction of the Planning and Parks Department and Corporation Counsel, with About Nature, LLC not to exceed sum of $389,722, which includes a 15% contingency to cover any potential change orders, for the construction of an ecologically sensitive low-impact public access to Lake Michigan at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Tony Matera Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None b. Discussion Items 1. 2025 Planning and Parks Department year in review presentation Mr. Struck provided an overview of the Planning & Parks Department annual report. First Sturgeon fish was detected in the county in over 100 years. Supervisor Matera left the meeting at 12:18PM. 2. Update on Planning and Parks Department Capital Projects and Planning and Parks Department Ecological Division Projects The Planning & Parks department is collaborating with Ozaukee Tourism Council for strategic planning and rebranding. Discussed upcoming projects and grants for the ecological division. c. Management/Financial/Informational Reports There were no questions. Chairperson Holyoke announced that a closed session has been proposed pursuant to Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchasing of Public Properties, the Investing of Public Funds, or Conducting other Specified Public Business, Whenever Competitive or Bargaining Reasons Require a Closed Session” and Sec. 19.85(1)(g) “Conferring with Legal Counsel for the Governmental Body Who is Rendering Oral or Written Advice Concerning Strategy to be Adopted by the Body with Respect to Litigation in Which it is or is Likely to Become Involved.” Motion made by Supervisor Ross, seconded by Supervisor Jobs to convene in closed session for this purpose. Roll call vote was taken. Motion carried. (5-0) 9. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchasing of Public Properties, the Investing of Public Funds, or Conducting other Specified Public Business, Whenever Competitive or Bargaining Reasons Require a Closed Session” and Sec. 19.85(1)(g) “Conferring with Legal Counsel for the Governmental Body Who is Rendering Oral or Written Advice Concerning Strategy to be Adopted by the Body with Respect to Litigation in Which it is or is Likely to Become Involved.” 1. Specifically, the Committee will discuss with counsel and administration the demand letters received from the City of Mequon relating to the county parks located in the City of Mequon, the County’s strategy should litigation concerning a City enforcement action develop and the potential for negotiating an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Mequon. The committee entered into closed session at 10:04 AM. Present: Holyoke, Ross, Jobs, Matera, Schoessow, County Administrator Dzwinel, Planning & Parks Director Struck, Attorney Conrad, Deputy Clerk Hoff Motion made by Supervisor Ross, seconded by Supervisor Jobs to reconvene into open session. Roll call vote was taken. Motion carried (5-0) 10. OPEN SESSION a. Action Item 1. Potentional for Negotiating an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Mequon or Authorizing Counsel to Commence Litigation to Clarify the County's Authority Relative to the County's Parks Located in the City. Entered into open session at 11:13 AM. Break: 11:15 AM Reconvened 11:20 AM Motion: Motion to move to authorize counsel and administration to communicate to the City of Mequon the County’s official position that the City cannot impose its land use regulations on the County’s parks located in the City. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Tony Matera, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 11. NEXT MEETING DATE May 7, 2026 (New Committee) 12. ADJOURNMENT Supervisor Holyoke thanked Supervisor Ross and Supervisor Jobs for their years of service as a committee member and County Supervisor. Motion made by Supervisor Jobs, seconded by Supervisor Ross to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting declared adjourned at 12:35 PM. Deputy Clerk, Anna Hoff