Approved Town Board 5-7-26

TOWN OF PRESQUE ISLE Town Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026 Chair Allen Eschenbauch Present Supervisor Carl Wolter Excused Supervisor Logan Weber 1. Call to Order & Minutes Approval Meeting called to order by Chair Eschenbauch at 6:01 pm 2. Old Business — Northwoods EMS District Budget Dispute The district is functioning well; however, Manitowish Waters and Boulder Junction have adopted an alternative budget created by John Hanson rather than the board-approved budget (which passed 3–1, with Presque Isle and Winchester voting in favor). The alternative would cut district contributions by ~$400,000, with each dissenting town paying ~$100,000 less on the August second-half payment. Hanson has also drafted a revised inter- municipal agreement to enable this reduction. Chair Eschenbauch opposes both a s violations of current bylaws. Supervisor Wolter commended the town's district representative. All four towns paid their first -half amounts in full. The board agreed to schedule a special open public meeting with the district representative and EMS chief to solidify the town's position. 3. New Business 1. Community Opportunity Fair — Newspaper Ad (May 28) Based on community feedback, a paid newspaper ad was recommended over a press release. A 3" x 5" ad was quoted at $90–$95 (first issue) and ~$67 (second issue). Motion: Authorize a two-issue newspaper ad for the Community Opportunity Fair. Moved by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Seconded by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Result: APPROVED — Aye 2. Road Work Bids — Culverts & Chip Sealing Bids authorized for culvert replacements (36"+ diameter): two on East Bay Road, one on South Crab Lake Road. Chip sealing: South Crab Lake Rd. (1005 Dr. to 49ers Rd.), Riverside Rd. (Hwy W to Hwy W), East Bay Rd. (County B to Gladys Rd.), and Gladys Rd. (East Bay Rd. to termination). All work planned for this year. Motion: Authorize bids for listed culvert replacements and chip seal projects. Moved by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Seconded by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Result: APPROVED — Aye 3. High Water & Signage Receiving requests from PITLC and several citizens and remembering a similar high water event a few years back, Chair Eschenbauch authorized slow wake signs be placed at boat landings before fishing season opens and the Wally Tournament. He also authorized signs announcing the presence of Spiny Water Flea as requested by PITLC. Supervisor Wolter noted board precedent against boat operating restriction signs at boat landings. 4. Fire Department Officer Elections Newly elected officers: Chief – Doug Wolter; Asst. Chief – Jim Nelson; EMS Director – Corky Curtis (formerly Asst. Director); Asst. EMS Director – Donna Zukich (formerly Director); Secretary-Treasurer – Geoffrey Simmons. Motion: Approve the Fire Department officer slate as presented. Moved by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Seconded by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Result: APPROVED — Aye 5. Fire Department Credit Card Secretary-Treasurer Geoffrey Simmons and Chief Doug Wolter presented: the department's Huntington Bank card ($2,000 limit) has an unreachable administrator, cannot be managed by current members, and regularly maxes out during Fireman's Picnic prep. Proposed: open a new municipal credit card at Associated Bank (Boulder Junction) using the town's tax ID, with a $5,000–$10,000 limit tied to the department's volunteer checking account. A separate card keeps volunteer-fund expenses from commingling with town accounts. Motion: Authorize Jeffrey Simmons to open a fire dept. credit card at Associated Bank using the town's tax ID; limit $5,000–$10,000. Moved by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Seconded by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Result: APPROVED — Aye 6. Town Hall Roof Chair Eschenbauch requested authorization to solicit bids for a new shingle roof on the town hall. Motion: Authorize bids for town hall roofing project. Moved by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Seconded by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Result: APPROVED — Aye Future Agenda Items — Next Meeting May 21 Room tax dispersal (Presque Isle Snow Bunnies) · Procedural audit update · Boat landing sign policy Correspondence Board correspondence: None. County board member: Nothing to report. Public Comment Doug Wolter: High water levels are due to heavy snowpack/runoff and will recede naturally. Roads took winter storm damage, but no closures have resulted, aside from one minor frozen culvert. No Zoom comments. Authorization of Vouchers Motion: Accept vouchers #38685–#38730; void #38712 & 38729; hold #38711 & #38716. Moved by: Chair Allen Eschenbauch Seconded by: Supervisor Carl Wolter Result: APPROVED — Aye Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm. Posted by: Lori Thomas, Town Clerk,