Natural Resources Committee - Administration Center — Minutes

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 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, County Board Supervisor Bruce Ross, Supervisor Barbara Jobs, Supervisor Kurt Schoessow Absent None Excused Supervisor Tony Matera Staff present: County Administrator Dzwinel, Policy and Budget Analyst Wittik, Land & Water Management Director Vogeler, Sanitation and Zoning Coordinator Pfister, Planning & Parks Director Struck, Register of Deeds Laurin, Extension 4-H Program Educator Quinlan, Deputy Clerk Hoff Others present: Scott Fischer, Cindy Raimer - Director of Education of Sugar Maple Nature School, Ozaukee Press — Dan Benson, (9:30 AM) Supervisor Kincaide 2. PROPER NOTICE Chairperson Holyoke called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. The clerk noticed the meeting as required. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE, COMMUNICATIONS There were none. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 8, 2026 Motion: Motion to approve the January 8, 2026 minutes as submitted. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 5. PUBLIC HEARING a. To amend Chapter 19: Shoreland Protection Ordinance of the Ozaukee County Code of Ordinances Chairperson Holyoke opened the first public hearing at 9:01 AM. Ms. Voegler reviewed the project request. Chairperson Holyoke closed the first public hearing at 9:05 AM. 6. UNIVERSITY EXTENSION OFFICE a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports 1. UW-Madison Division of Extension Ozaukee County Monthly Reports Ms. Quinlan provided an overview of the monthly reports. Discussion on Read Across America. 7. REGISTER OF DEEDS/LAND INFORMATION a. Management/Financial/Informational Reports 1. Register of Deeds/Land Information Monthly Reports Ms. Laurin passed out brochures and gave an update on property fraud alert. Discussion on the 2025 excess funds. 8. LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT a. Action Items 1. Ordinance: Amending Ozaukee County Shoreland Protection Ordinance Discussion approval process of the ordinance. Motion: Motion to amend Chapter 19: Shoreland Protection ordinance upon Corporation Counsel review. This ordinance will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 2. Application and Acceptance of 2027 DATCP SWRM Grants Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant for the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Soil and Water Resource Management (SWRM) for 2027. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None b. Management/Financial/Informational Reports 1. LWM Monthly Reports Ms. Voegler provided an overview of the monthly reports. 9. PLANNING AND PARKS DEPARTMENT a. Action Items 1. Increase of Revenue Budget Amendment for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Grant for Acquiring Parcel 080161000200 in the Town of Saukville per 59.52(6)(a) And 27.065(1)(a) Wisconsin Statutes as Part of the Riveredge and Cedarburg Bog Natural Area - County Project Area in the Adopted Park and Open Space Plan for Ozaukee County: 2050 (4th Edition) for Addition to the Ozaukee County Park System Motion: Motion to approve the increase of revenue budget amendment recognizing $112,500 for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance grant for acquiring Parcel 080161000200 in the Town of Saukville per 59.52(6)(a) And 27.065(1)(a) Wisconsin Statutes as part of the Riveredge and Cedarburg Bog Natural Area - County Project Area in the adopted Park and Open Space Plan for Ozaukee County: 2050 (4th Edition) for addition to the Ozaukee County Park System. The budget amendment will move forward to the Finance Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 2. Submittal and Acceptance of a Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Grant for Trail Development and Boardwalk Construction at Ulao Creek Nature Preserve County Park Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant to the Natural Resources Foundation Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund grant program for trail development and boardwalk construction at Ulao Creek Nature Preserve County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 3. Submittal and Acceptance of a Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. Grant for Invasive Species Management at Hawthorne Hills County Park Motion: Motion to approve the submittal and acceptance of a grant to the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. Grant for invasive species management in Hawthorne Hills County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 4. Submittal and Acceptance of 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 submittal and acceptance of a grant to the US Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Coastal Program to fund habitat restoration at Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 5. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Municipal Flood Control Grant for Acquiring Parcel ID: 110500501024 Along County Highway Trunk W and the Milwaukee River in the Village of Saukville for Addition to the Ozaukee County Park System Per §§ 59.52(6)(A) and 27.065(1)(A) Wisconsin Statutes for River Oxbow, Floodplain and Wetland Restoration as part of the County Highway Trunk W Road Reconstruction and Restoration Project Discussion regarding the location of property and parcel. Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Municipal Flood Control grant program for acquiring property located in the Village of Saukville, WI (Parcel ID: 110500501024) for addition to the Ozaukee County Park System per §§ 59.52(6)(A) and 27.065(1)(A) Wisconsin Statutes. The resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 6. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program Grant for Construction of an East-West Multi-Use Bicycle Pedestrian Trail Extension of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Along Highway 60. Discussion regarding the procedure for the submission and approval of this grant, and construction once it has been received. Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Recreational Trails grant program for construction of an east-west multi-use bicycle pedestrian trail extension of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail along State Highway 60. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 7. Resolution: Submittal and Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program 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 Discussion on Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants and Federal grants. Motion: Motion to approve the resolution for submittal and acceptance of a grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Resources Recreational Trails Program for construction of a multi-use bicycle pedestrian bridge over Cedar Creek adjacent to State Highway 60 in conjunction with the east-west OIT improvement project and a WisDOT road project for resurfacing STH 60. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 8. Resolution: Declaration of the Second Saturday in May as World Migratory Bird Day and Authorization for Ozaukee County to Apply to Retain its “Bird City Wisconsin” Recognition Status Motion: Motion to approve a resolution declaring the second Saturday in May as World Migratory Bird Day in Ozaukee County and authorize the submittal of a renewal application by the Planning and Parks Department for retaining “Bird City Wisconsin” recognition and “High Flyer” status through implementation of criteria as a “Bird City Wisconsin”. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Barbara Jobs Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 9. Resolution: Land Preservation Trust Fund Funding for an Ozaukee County Conservation Easement and Fee Simple Purchase Program Per the Existing State Required Agricultural Land Conversion Fee Assessment Mr. Struck explained that an existing statutory requirement is to assess agricultural land conversion fees at the time the land comes out of agriculture. The Town of Belgium is currently in the farmland preservation area and has expressed interest in participating in an easement program. Motion made by Supervisor Ross, seconded by Supervisor Schoessow to approve the resolution for Land Preservation Trust Fund funding for an Ozaukee County Conservation Easements and Fee Simple Purchase Program per the existing State Required Agricultural Land Conversion Fee Assessment. Discussion on programs the state offers, the development throughout the county and how to retain rural character in the county. Mr. Dzwinel stated that $50,000 in revenue is assumed in the budget, which is not evident in the documentation provided. In short, $50,000 of property tax levy is being taken to fund this program. Further discussion on the strategic decision to be made as to how to invest the funds and the fiscal implications. No vote was taken on the original motion. Motion: Motion to amend the motion to approve the resolution for Land Preservation Trust Fund funding for an Ozaukee County Conservation Easements and Fee Simple Purchase Program per the existing State Required Agricultural Land Conversion Fee Assessment and that the documentation going to the County Board should reflect the fiscal implications of making this allocation. This resolution will move forward to the County Board for final action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 10. Contract for WisCorps Conservation Corps Teams to Assist Parks, Trail and Ecological Division Staff with 2026 Field Activities Motion: Motion to approve a contract with WisCorps Conservation Corps, contingent upon Corporation Counsel approval, to assist Planning and Parks Department - Parks, Trail and Ecological Division staff with 2026 field activities. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 11. Sugar Maple Nature School Site Plan, Storage Building and Natural Playground Approval Per County-Owned Lands Zoning Ordinance for Providing a Temporary Public Nature-Based Charter School Site at Hawthorne Hills County Park Discussion on the land and structure plans, allocating funds towards Sugar Maple School, and renewal of the lease in the future. Motion: Motion to approve with conditions, the Sugar Maple Nature School storage building and natural playground plans per Resolution 23-44 and the Ozaukee County Owned Lands Zoning Ordinance to support the Sugar Maple Nature School at Hathorne Hills County Park in the Town of Fredonia and Town of Saukville. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Kurt Schoessow Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 12. Memorandum of Agreement Amendment #4 with Sugar Maple Nature School Discussion on financial resources for landscaping around buildings and additional needs such as WI-Fl as grant funding has passed. The vision is to try to move toward a unified campus and color scheme with additional storage buildings. Motion by Supervisor Ross, seconded by Supervisor Jobs to approve the Memorandum of Agreement Amendment #4 with Sugar Maple Nature School for construction of a (16 ft x 46 ft) storage shed and building pad and natural playground per the Park Master Plan at Hawthorne Hills County Park in the Town of Fredonia and Town of Saukville. No vote taken. Motion: Motion to amend the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding Amendment #4 with Sugar Maple Nature School for construction of a (16 ft x 46 ft) storage shed and building pad and natural playground per the Park Master Plan at Hawthorne Hills County Park in the Town of Fredonia and Town of Saukville, according to proper planning to match the campus color scheme and landscaping with financial responsibility to Sugar Maple Nature School. Result: Passed Moved by: Kurt Schoessow Seconded by: Bruce Ross Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None 13. Recommendation of Natural Resources Capital Projects to the Executive Committeee There was a break at: 10:54 AM The committee reconvened at: 10:59 AM Several projects were submitted by the Planning and Parks Department. Mr. Dzwinel and Mr. Wittik reviewed the projects recommended by staff and addressed questions from the committee. Motion: Motion to support staff recommendations of Brownfield Assessments, CBCGNP Lake Michigan Public Access Improvements, Town of Saukville – Property Acquisitions, Solar PV Systems, Skid Steer, Batwing Mower, Parks Security Cameras – Virmond Stairway, Parks Security Gates & Cameras – Existing, Waubedonia Parks Paving for consideration by the Executive Committee. The recommendations will move forward to the Executive Committee for further action. Result: Passed Moved by: Bruce Ross Seconded by: Barbara Jobs Ayes: Rob Holyoke, Bruce Ross, Barbara Jobs, Kurt Schoessow Nays: None Abstain: None b. Discussion Items 1. Update on Planning and Parks Department Capital Projects and Planning and Parks Department Ecological Division Grant Projects Mr. Struck outlined current project plans, reporting that County Highway W is entering its final stages. Additionally, he informed the committee that weather conditions have caused a temporary delay in the Mineral Springs Creek restoration. Supervisor Ross proposed that the Planning & Parks Department return the revised Gantt chart to the committee meetings in the future. c. Management/Financial/Informational Reports 1. Monthly Reports Mr. Struck provided an overview of the 2025 financials. 10. NEXT MEETING DATE March 5, 2026 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Supervisor Ross, seconded by Supervisor Schoessow to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting declared adjourned at 11:28 AM. Anna Hoff, Deputy Clerk