Town of Washburn

Bayfield County

Town Meeting Minutes

June 11, 2024

Attendance: Sandy Raspotnik, Scottie Sandstrom, Jim Park, Lance Twombly, Mike Harvey, Matt Lippo, Kim Bro, and Lynn Adams (virtually).

At 7:02 pm, town meeting called to order by Chair Raspotnik

Meeting notices were posted in the two public places and on the website.

Public comments: No public attendance.

A motion to accept the agenda by Supervisor Sandstrom and seconded by Supervisor Park. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion to accept last month’s minutes by Supervisor Sandstrom and seconded by Supervisor Park. All Ayes, motion carried. Scottie suggested using regular time instead of 24-hr/military in the future.

Treasurer report: Books are balanced. Working on budget with clerk and sent out four documents to board and clerk. Chair asked that Road Superintendent be included on budget handouts and emails. Motion to approve treasurer report by Park and seconded by Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Clerk update: Election training almost complete, only WisVote left. For the minutes, the Treasurer salary is $5,000/year and Clerk is $8,000/year. Successfully transitioned to QuickBooks Online. Two payrolls completed, first by check, second by direct deposit. Quarterly payroll and mileage done. Testing out QuickBooks Workforce app for clocking in and managing employee time. Clerk will continue to do payroll and not outsource. Road Crew employee contracts need to be modified for next year but can wait until fall to do this. State Form SL-305 submitted and working on PA-551 with assessor. Received an extension on filing Worker’s Comp Insurance audit since I missed the deadline. Bremer loan, Holden Insurance, and other bills paid. In addition, Clerk requested board to approve Lynne Borchers and Caroline Twombly as election workers. Motion to approve Lynne and Caroline by Jim Park and seconded by Scottie Sandstrom. Motion carried with all Ayes. A donation request to improve Thompson West End Playground was sent to town. Motion to donate $100 made by Scottie and seconded by Sandy, motion carried with all Ayes. A motion by Jim Park and seconded by Scottie Sandstrom to accept the clerk’s report. All Ayes, motion carried.

Road Crew report: Matt Lippo is helping to fix tractor with some effort, mowing, hauling dirt, and working on weight limit signs. Matt requested a small, efficient electric, battery-operated saw to help cut saplings that get stuck in mower deck since blades are designed for mowing grass and not brushing. This saw will be convenient to carry in limited space making it more accessible and still capable. Jim made a motion to approve purchasing this electric saw for $280, seconded by Scottie. Motion carried with all Ayes. Also, Matt has successfully completed his 6-month probation and will receive a $1 pay raise.

Road updates: On Hove Lane, a truck ran over culvert. Reflectors were put up to help mitigate this issue. There is a concern with heavy truck traffic detouring construction on Highway 13 in City of Washburn and using town roads. Chairperson Raspotnik will contact DOT representative.

Hopefully, posting, monitoring and maybe stopping a few trucks will get the word out. There is a possibility of listing our roads as part of the detour so that they will later be fixed. Paulson is an option but won’t last long. McKinley cannot handle the heavy loads. Trucks do not want to use Church Corner with steep hill, climbing and descending. Mike will try to get videos for documentation. Grader: Almost fixed but more issues found. $17,500 already into it but will need an additional $2,500 to complete. The Board approved this additional expense. Once grader is back (Monday?), Mike requested to work 12-hr days for two weeks to finish roads in barrens. Supervisor Park made a motion for Mike Harvey to work 12-hr days for 12 days and was seconded by Supervisor Sandstrom. Motion carried with all Ayes. Also, the 2015 International snowplow truck is leaking from rear-differential. Crew is hauling mud and clay on Church Corner N. Working on Rustic Rd, putting an end on a culvert. Chequamegon Heights culvert is undermining due to all the rain. Motion to put a sleeve on this culvert for $7,800 made by Jim and seconded by Scottie. Motion carried with all Ayes. Mailboxes: The letter sent out needs to be changed to state that box should be at the shoulder and not the edge of blacktop/road. Priest Rd: This is a low priority road and will be worked on when time allows. Mike will fix areas where water is collecting, as well as continue ditching, a little at a time. And this road will not be on the 5-year plan. Sandy will call resident on this road to report Board’s decision. A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to accept road crew report. All Ayes, motion carried.

Chair report: Received one load of rock for barrens roads at $500. Need $4,000 more of rock. Mike will check and work on getting the best price. Motion to accept Chair’s report by Supervisor Park and seconded by Supervisor Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Plan Commission: Kim Bro gave Plan Commission & Task Force Minutes to Board. The commission recommended approving the no-fee driveway permit off a private access road on Paulson Rd with their recommendations. Chair Raspotnik finished filling out the permit and adding modifications and future contingency. Motion to approve driveway permit for Elizabeth Post with Commission’s recommendations made by Park and seconded by Sandstrom. Motion carried with all Ayes. During this discussion, Chair stated that new 911 standards may require roads to have a name if there are three or more residents living off that road. Sandy will look into it. Comprehensive Plan Committee: Six residents asked to be part of the Comprehensive Plan Committee. Current timeline for completion is before April 2025 elections with a February public hearing. Budget may need to be adjusted. Committee will try to use internet more effectively to engage community. Such as the webpage, Mail Chimp, QR Codes, Survey Monkey, etc. to get feedback. Plan on mailing out postcards using town mailing list for outreach, connecting people to website, at the end of summer. There is no limit to the number of participants on this Committee. Committee will try to focus on the implementation plan and potentially trying to protect larger tracts of land from being broken up into 5-acre rural residential plots, keeping those closer to Hwy 13 and paved roads. They hope to clarify development and roadwork by setting priorities and where to spend money. Landfill: Kim suggested mowing it the same as last year. But reports of lots of rocks in it. Looking for it to be mowed in the second week of July and potentially seeking bids. The Plan Commission recommends 3,000 cubic yards of clay, approximately 130 truckloads to cover landfill. Get responsible parties to contribute (City of Washburn and Town of Bayview). Clay can come from the northside of pond across from town hall, which already meets requirements. A skid steer will be needed to move clay around to fill in deep spots. A sandy mix of topsoil should be placed on these spots. Chair Raspotnik will check into finding a contractor.

Bids:

Asphalt: One bid from Northwoods Paving, $191,108.87. Motion to accept Northwoods Paving bid made by Jim and seconded by Scottie. Motion carried with all Ayes.

Gravel: 3 bids for FR251

1. Bob Olson: $23.90/ton

2. Trusty Trucking: $23.95/ton

3. Olson Brothers: $21.93/ton

Motion to accept Olson Brothers bid made by Scottie and seconded by Jim. All Ayes, motion carried.

Wannebo Road Update: Supervisor Sandstrom gave handout to Board and emailed summary to Board this morning. There are some cost savings with the current bid and potential efficiency due to proximity of construction in the city. In this discussion, Board decided to complete the original 2-mile project to end at Ondossogan Rd, and fund an additional $50,000, if needed, and to also keep town savings at around $200,000 for rainy day/emergency funds. Motion made by Sandstrom to continue Wannebo project for full 2 miles, up to $50,000, seconded by Park. Motion carried with all Ayes.

Box blade: No.

5-year Road Plan Update: Scottie gave a handout but will be discussed in the next meeting.

Request for Bridge Aid for North Church Corner Road: Chair will put in to county for next year.

Accounting practices: Pushed to next month’s meeting.

Hiring Policy: Discussed next month. Supervisor Sandstrom asked to move this topic to the top of agenda for next meeting.

Motion to authorize payment of bills by Scottie Sandstrom, seconded by Jim Park. All Ayes, motion carried. Sandy Raspotnik suggested approving a list of bills/checks instead of initialing all paperwork.

At 9:23 pm, a motion to adjourn was made by Supervisor Park and seconded by Supervisor Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Lance Twombly, Clerk

May 14, 2024

Attendance: Sandy Raspotnik, Scottie Sandstrom, Jim Park, Lynn Adams, Lance Twombly, Mike Harvey, Matt Lippo, Caroline Twombly, and Wendy Stein (virtually).

Board of Review Meeting called to order at 1900 hrs by Chair Raspotnik. Verification of proper public notices to adjourn the meeting to September 17, 2024, since additional time is needed. Supervisor Sandstrom made a motion to adjourn meeting to 9/17/24 at 1900 hrs. Supervisor Park seconded. All Ayes, motion carried. Board of Review meeting adjourned at 1901 hrs.

At 1901 hrs., town meeting called to order by Chair Raspotnik

Meeting notices were posted in the public places, website, and published in the Daily Press.

Public comments: Wendy Stein had concerns about mowing at the old town landfill and invasive species. She recommended area should be mowed late June, early July. Chair put this issue on agenda for next meeting.

A motion to accept the agenda by Supervisor Park and seconded by Supervisor Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion to accept last month’s minutes by Supervisor Sandstrom and seconded by Supervisor Park. All Ayes, motion carried.

Clerk update: Quarterly reports submitted. Payroll ongoing and payroll taxes completed. Paying bills and learning approval system from Treasurer. Researching new version of Quickbooks since our version will lose support at the end of the month. Submitted SLFRF report (federal covid funds). Election training. Raised a concern about Records storage. Logistics of outsourcing payroll with timecard approval, checks, and direct deposit if town goes that route. Inquired about IT support. And will be gone May 27-June 8. A motion by Jim Park and seconded by Scottie Sandstrom to accept the clerk’s report. All Ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer report: All balanced. Snowplow bills went out. Only 12 bills this year, about $1700 total. Two bills paid through taxes from last year. Question from Choice Title on any special assessments? None. Motion to approve treasurer report by Sandstrom and seconded by Park. All Ayes, motion carried.

Road Crew report: Matt Lippo is mowing, clearing, and learning a lot and likes it. Dealing with some equipment issues but getting through it. Mike Harvey stated Matt is doing well. Brevak pit looks like it will not be used and Bob Olson’s on Hove Lane will be used instead. Mailbox sticking out too far on Wannebo. Tractor should cost no more than $5000 to fix, even though challenging with age and finding parts. Renting one may be an option but will hold off for now. Inspection results for grader came in. Some work can be done in-house. Motion to not exceed $20,454.51 for grader repairs by Supervisor Sandstrom, seconded by Supervisor Park. All Ayes, motion carried.

Road updates: Working on crowning roads that had their sides cut down. Culvert sleeve on Chequamegon Heights, hold off till next month to check budget. Treasurer and clerk will work on this. A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to accept road crew report. All Ayes, motion carried.

Chair report: Date for road inspections set for June 4, 2024 at 0830 hrs. No Enbridge grant. Mike Sherry from Holden Insurance will be invited by Chair to talk at next meeting, or one after. May 18, 2024, is Dumpster Day at Barksdale. Supervisor Sandstrom asked about interest in attending an EMS provider webinar. No interest since City of Washburn provides that service. Motion to accept Chair’s report by Supervisor Park and seconded by Supervisor Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion to approve Tim Schwenzfeier for another three years on Plan Commission by Chair Raspotnik, Supervisor Sandstrom seconded. All Ayes, motion carried.

Box blade: Request from Road Superintendent Harvey for this equipment item to help maintain roads. Costs about $3000. Wait till next month for the budget update.

Q&A page for website: Jim Park will look into adding more information to town website to help residents understand how town government works and some related WI statutes.

Online document storage: Park will research options that provide easy access to present and future Board members and town officials. Must be secure and affordable. Usually, these services provide a cost for a certain amount of storage space. Supervisor Park will also investigate a password manager for town employees.

Accounting practices: Clerk will get quotes for outsourcing payroll from Maitland Singler & VanVlack and Ehlers & Pierce. Motion to approve Clerk to purchase Quickbooks Online and using personal credit card, if needed, prior to end of month by Supervisor Park. Seconded by Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

Wannebo Road Project: Bid went out today. If more than 5%, does the town still want to move ahead? State law goes to lowest bid. Town can reject, at a cost. Hopefully, the bid will come in lower.

Hiring Policy: Long discussion on background checks and wordsmithing policy. Mike, Matt, and Lynn released at 2126 hrs. Board finalizing policy. Crafting application will be next step.

Next month’s agenda: Hiring policy, box blade, Wannebo bids, mowing, and technology.

Motion to authorize paying bills by Jim Park, seconded by Scottie Sandstrom. All Ayes, motion carried.

At 2155 hrs, motion to adjourn made by Supervisor Sandstrom and seconded by Supervisor Park. All Ayes, motion carried.

Lance Twombly, Clerk

Town of Washburn Annual Meeting

April 16, 2024

At 1900 hrs, the Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Chair Sandy Raspotnik. Chair acknowledged and thanked attendees (36 total). Due to this decent turnout, Chair had everyone introduce themselves.

First order of business was to approve minutes from last year’s meeting. Kate Stolp made a motion to approve minutes and Jim Miller seconded. Motion was approved by all Ayes.

Second order of business was introductions from new, temporary clerk, Lance Twombly, and new Road Crew employee Matt Lippo.

Third order of business was for Board to give highlights and updates for projects from previous year and upcoming ones.

Supervisor1 Scottie Sandstrom gave an update on the following:

1. Upcoming Wanebo Rd project. Plan was to pave from Chequamegon Heights to Ondossagon Rd. Bid is over $200,000, which is too high so paving will be 1.5 miles from Chequamegon Heights to ½ mile past Bjork Rd. Possibly more if bid comes in lower. Meeting on bid will be on Tuesday, May 14^th with WI DOT. Project is planned for mid-summer to this fall.
2. A grant between Washburn and Barksdale for $55,000 will be used to pave Engoe Rd one mile east of Bjork Rd to ½ mile west.
3. Another grant with US Forest Service will pave road from Pajala Rd to FR251, Long Lake. More gravel on the rest of road. Bids will be out shortly.
4. Another possible project will be to replace a culvert on Church Corner Rd, north of County C.
5. Continued crack sealing throughout township.
6. Broadband is improving in the Town with options from Bayfield Wireless and Norvado. Public Wi-Fi at Town Hall provided by Bayfield Wireless. Norvado received a grant last month to run Fiber to the Home for the rest of the town, the eastern part of Town completed last fall. Looking at over one year out due to fiber being manufactured in Japan with one year processing time. So, late 2025 at the earliest.

Supervisor2 Jim Park gave an update on the solar grant for the town with a PowerPoint presentation. This is a project with the Department of Energy and Wisconsin to promote sustainable energy in remote areas. Solar array will be next to town garage with batteries and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Array will provide 12kw with battery backup, essentially a stand-alone micro-grid. Total cost is $119,488.00, with grant covering 80%. Town will need to cover $24,552.00. However, the available tax credit would then cover the town’s cost so this would result in $0. Contract negotiations will occur this year with construction in summer of 2025 and 2026. The system is guaranteed to run for 10 years. Town was fortunate to have project approved out of the number that were submitted.

Question from town member on EV charging payment. Board is not sure yet how that will work.

Kim Bro gave an update on the Town Plan Commission. Comprised of five town members with Supervisor2 Park as town representative. The current plan is from 2007 and needs to be updated. Focus on plan is to maintain rural character with emphasis on clean water, forests, etc. Future land use must comply with the plan. Bayfield County now has a plan. Town could adopt that plan or create its own. Monthly meetings will continue, all town members are welcome. Commission will hire a planning professional in fall to bring to town at end of winter this year.

Chair Raspotnik informed town members that the Town will no longer be working with the current building inspector and will change to a new inspector. For now, Town is using the Bayfield County inspector.

Fourth order of business is to open meeting to town questions.

• Is Planning Commission collaborating with other towns? Bro: Town could adopt county plan or use a smaller version of it (a Brochure Plan) if it suits us. Or Town could make its own full plan. Town supports the City of Washburn’s comprehensive plan.
• Are plans online? Bro: Yes, Bayfield County Zoning department. Town of Washburn 2007 plan is on the website. (Supervisor1 Sandstrom mentioned the Bayfield Co. Business Park by Ashland Ford Chrysler dealership to isolate commercial zoning there.)
• Would the plan support home-based businesses? Yes.
• Will the sandpit on McKinley Rd be opening? Yes, for construction occurring in the City of Washburn, beginning mid-May. Heavy truck traffic from 0700-1900 hrs., loads coming and going. Waste soil and clay will be dumped, no hazardous materials. Contractor is liable for damage to road and state will enforce. Construction scheduled for this year, 2024, with a year break (2025) and finish in 2026. Road Supervisor Mike Harvey will contact contractor to make them aware of pets in the area.
• Concern about dust mitigation on Priest Rd. Road Supervisor will investigate alternatives, possibly recycled black top.
• Will Norvado fiber optic cover everybody in town? Yes, that is the understanding of Supervisor1 Sandstrom. Contact Norvado regarding your address.
• Question on why Bayfield Wireless is pushing their service in this area if Norvado will be available? Bayfield Wireless was supposed to provide service for all areas with poor service. Another member mentioned T-Mobile Home Internet as an option. And another stated that all the companies are coming here at the same time. Overall, lots of improvements and options for faster internet. One member super appreciative of Norvado’s service. And another member stated how the internet is not a utility, like power and telephone, yet. But all present understand how critical fast, reliable internet is today.
• Former town clerk, Kerry Tetzner, read a personal statement expressing his disagreement with the current Board’s operating procedures and highlighting his 21-year career with town government. This led to a discussion and questions regarding the following:
  • Are the Treasurer and Clerk part of the Board? According to Supervisor2 Park, who was referencing WI statute, the Board is comprised of the Chair and Supervisors, not the Treasurer and the Clerk. The Treasurer and Clerk have no vote on motions.
  • Can the public comment during Town monthly and special meetings? Chair Raspotnik stated that the public can only comment during public comment periods. Monthly (and special) meetings are for the Board to conduct Town business. Public is welcome to attend and view these meetings. A town member equated this to a school board meeting.
  • Is there a time limit for individual public comments? The Town does not have a policy on this.
  • Can specific individuals be talked about in public forums? Currently, the town does not have a policy regarding this matter.
  • What is Wisconsin Towns Association? It’s an association of all member towns in WI and provides guidance and help on conducting town business. www.wisctowns.com

No further questions or comments.

Chair set next annual meeting on April 15, 2024 at 1900 hrs. Need motion to adjourn.

Mike Harvey made a motion to adjourn and Kim Bro seconded. Motion approved with all Ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 2013 hrs.

Those present:

In person:

Sandy Raspotnik                                          Scottie Sandstrom                                       Jim Park

Lynn Adams                                                   Lance Twombly                                             Mike Harvey

Matt Lippo                                                      Caroline Twombly                                        Cheryl Sandstrom

Kerry Tetzner                                                  Patsy Tetzner                                                  Luke Mattson

Bob Mattson                                                  Joyce Zifko                                                      Trisha Miller

Kate Stolp                                                       Darlene Neff                                                  Charmaine Swan

Jim Miller                                                         Steve Tetzner                                                  Sarah Tetzner

Bob Short                                                        Roy Settgas                                                    Bob Gross

Kim Bro                                                            Kitty Crawford                                                Alex Prediger

Kathy Woyciechowski                                 Tom Woyciechowski                                    John Eliason

Christina Eliason

Virtual:

Wendy Stein                                                   Kathleen Russell                                          Ron Rechel

Brenda Rechel                                               Monique Mattson

Minutes Town of Washburn, Bayfield County – April 9, 2024

Attendance: Sandra Raspotnik, Jim Park, Scottie Sandstrom, Lynn Adams, Mike Harvey, Matt Lippo, Lance and Caroline Twombly, Jack Benson. Online: Gina Park, John Hartzell, Randy Shaw, Steve Bade, Wendy Stein, Kathleen Russell. Kim Bro.

-Meeting called to order by Chairperson Sandra Raspotnik at 7:12 pm.

-Verification of proper public notice at Tetzners, Town Hall and website.

-Public Comment: Steve Bade wanted on record an appreciation to Kerry Tetzner for all of his hard work over the years as Clerk.

-Sandy suggested that we remove items 11 and 12 from the agenda since they were on the Emergency Meeting agenda and add information about EMS in that spot. Motion to accept agenda by Jim with changes. Scottie seconded. Motion passed.

-Scottie made motion to accept minutes to meetings held March 26th, March 12th and the Emergency Meeting on April, 9^th . Jim seconded it. Motion passed.

-Treasurer report given by Lynn Adams. Scottie moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Jim seconded. Motion passed.

-Road Crew report given by Mike Harvey and Matt Lippo. Jim made a motion to accept road crew report, Scottie seconded. Motion passed.

-Chair report given by Sandy. Jim made motion to accept the chair report. Scottie seconded. Motion passed.

-Kim Bro gave Planning Commission report.

-Insurance: Sandy gave out proposals for town insurance. One from Rural Mutual Insurance and one from Holden Insurance. Sandy made a motion that we change insurance from Rural Insurance to Holden for the amount of $14948.00. Jim seconded. Discussion followed about the price difference and Scottie hopes nothing was missing in Holden Insurance since it was so much less. Scottie said we should have had more discussion on the insurance decision. Motion passed: 3-0. Sandy will get Rural Mutual to return the check that was sent for renewal.

-Hiring Policy: Scottie made a motion to open the floor to Jake Benson during this discussion. Jim seconded. Motion passed 3-0. A proposed policy was presented for discussion. Discussion will continue in May.

-Annual Meeting Agenda: 7 pm, April 16 at Town Hall. Discussion on what will be brought up at this meeting.

-EMS Discussion: Sandy is on committee and gave a report. Sandy moved that the Town of Washburn send letters to our representatives opposing the increase of hours needed for training of EMS volunteers. Jim seconded. Discussion followed. Motion passed. 3-0.

-Road Grader: Mike started a discussion on the road grader. It is at 6000 hours now. The Town could hire McCoy for $1500 to inspect, and make recommendations so it could be fine tuned Scottie made a motion that the McCoy company come and find out what is needed to keep the grader going. Jim seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

-Agenda items for future meeting written down by chair.

-Payment of bills: Jim made a motion to pay the bills, Scottie seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

-Adjourn: Scottie made motion to adjourn at 9:05 pm.

Submitted by

Lynn Adams

Town of Washburn Treasurer

Emergency Washburn Town Board Meeting

April 9, 2024 7:00 pm

Attendance: Sandra Raspotnik, Jim Park, Scottie Sandstrom, Lynn Adams, Mike Harvey, Matt Lippo, Lance and Caroline Twombly, Jack Benson. Online: Gina Park, John Hartzell, Randy Shaw, Steve Bade, Wendy Stein, Kathleen Russell. Kim Bro.

Meeting called to order by Sandra Raspotnik, Chair at 7:04 p.m. at the Washburn Town Hall.

Verification of posting at the Town Hall, Tetzner’s Dairy and Website

Motion made to accept the resignation of Kerry Tetzner as Town Clerk, wth appreciation for his many years of service by Scottie Sandstrom.

Seconded by Jim Park, Ayes 3, Nays 0 Motion passed

Motion to appoint Lance Twombly for the remainder of term, ending April 2025, by

Sandy Raspotnik.

Seconded by Jim Park, Ayes 3, Nays 0 Motion passed.

Jim made motion to adjourn and Scottie seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Minutes will be approved on April 9, 2024 at the monthly meeting.

Submitted by:

Lynn Adams

Treasurer – Town of Washburn

March 26, 2024

Emergency Board Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m. Present: Sandra Raspotnik, Jim Park, Scottie Sandstrom, Kerry Tetzner, Brenda Rechel, Cindy Bellanger, Gina Park, Jim Miller, Monique Mattson, Randy Shaw, Wendy Stein, John Olson, Terry Short, Luke Mattson, Bob Mattson, Pat Moore.

Meeting notices were posted in the two public places, website, and published in the Daily Press.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to approve the agenda. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Discussion as to why Matt Lippo was not paid for PTO taken in his last two paychecks. Kerry Tetzner stated that it is because his is in his probationary period and that PTO time is accrued. A discussion of Matt Lippo’s employment contract by Sandra Raspotnik, Jim Park and Scottie Sandstrom on the intention and understanding of the board when writing the employment contract.

Sandra Raspotnik made a motion for the town board to direct Kerry Tetzner to pay Matt Lippo for his PTO time by no later than March 27, 2024. Jim Park seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

Scottie Sandstrom made a motion to adjourn. Jim Park seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Park, Supervisor

March 12, 2024

Regular Board Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Kerry Tetzner, Sandy Raspotnik, Jim Park, Scottie Sandstrom, Lynn Adams, Mike Harvey, Gina Park, Jake Benson, Phil Krause, Kaitlyn Krause, Kim Bro, Wendy Stein, Tom Anglin, and Jacob Schultz.

Meeting notices were posted in the two public places, website, and published in the Daily Press.

Open comment took place with a discussion on several topics.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to approve the agenda. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Meeting minutes February 13, 2024 were read and written copies given to the Board Members. Motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to accept the report. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Lynn Adams gave the Treasurer report. All books are balanced. The Clerks and Treasurers computers are mirrored. A motion by Jim Park and seconded by Scottie Sandstrom to accept the report. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Mike Harvey gave the crew report. Mowing and brushing on Forest roads are being done. McCoy’s dozer blades are still not ready yet. Mike will call Bill Mihalek and line up training for him on snow plowing. Matt Lippo passed his CDL. A grant has been written for the purpose of repositioning the culvert at Four Mile Creek north of County C on Church Corner Road. We should be notified if the grant is approved of this by April 1, 2024. Clay from the City of Washburn for the fill on the landfill is on hold. A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to accept report. Motion Carried. All Ayes.

Sandy is waiting on the progress on grant for FR 251. A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to approve the report. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to accept a driveway permit for Petre and Katherine Kebbekus at Section 02 Town 48N Range 05W. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Sandy Raspotnik to relinquish the town’s UDC delegation, and to change the UDC delegation to go through Bayfield County. Motion carried. All Ayes. A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to terminate our contract with James Price with Alder Engineering under the contract clause allowing termination for any just cause by the town. Motion carried. All Ayes. A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to contract with Daniel Kegley with REM Inspecting to finish inspections of current building permits issued through the town until these projects are completed. Motion carried. All Ayes.

An update on the Federal Solar panel grant. The cost of the project would be $199,488.00. It is an 80/20% grant. The Towns portion would be $24,522.00. The Town will be reimbursed this amount after we pay the amount. The project would not start until 2025/2026.

Insurance item has been postponed.

The news articles for the newsletter are due next week.

The culvert survey agreement has been signed and sent in.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to put a bid for gravel and blacktop for FR 251. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to allow Jake Benson from the Bayfield County Highway Department to talk on the hiring policy. Motion carried. All Ayes. Scottie Sandstrom reviewed steps for the hiring policy, some of which included steps followed for hiring by the County Highway Department. Some discussion followed. This will be continued at the next Board Meeting.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to pay all current bills. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion and a second to adjourn.

Kerry Tetzner, Clerk

February 13, 2024

Regular Board Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Kerry Tetzner, Sandy Raspotnik, Jim Park, Scottie Sandstrom, Lynn Adams, Mike Harvey, Steve Bade, Luke Mattson, Matt Metzinger, Patsy Tetzner, Cheryl Sandstrom, Jim Miller, Jake Benson, Peggy Hagstrom, Steven Tetzner, Sarah Tetzner, Gina Park, Tracy Harvey, Matt Lippo, Tom Cogger, Connie Cogger, Jim Ludak, Mike Sandor, Kathleen Russell, Kim Bro, Bob Mattson, Pat Moore, Bob Short, Monique Mattson, Joe Amrein, Melissa Amrein, D & L Weigel, and Wendy Stein.

Meeting notices were posted in the two public places, website, and published in the Daily Press.

Open comment took place with a discussion on several topics.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to approve the agenda. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Meeting minutes January 8, 12, and 30th 2024 were read and written copies given to the Board Members. Motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to accept with one correction noted by Jim Park. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Lynn Adams gave the Treasurer report. All books are balanced. The Clerks and Treasurers computers are mirrored. The Chippewa Valley Bank CD has been renewed for 4.89 %. The property taxes are complete. A motion by Jim Park and seconded by Scottie Sandstrom to accept report. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Mike Harvey gave the crew report. Brushing is being done on the Forest Roads. They are waiting on grader blades. The 2015 plow truck window has been replaced. Matt received his commercial learning permit. Behind the wheel driving must be done, Mike is working on being certified for the training. The email for damaging a septic tank was brought up. No action taken. A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to approve the report. Motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to approve report. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Kim Bro talked on short term rentals.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to pass the Fair Employment Policy. Motion carried. All Ayes.

There was a discussion on having multiple UDC building inspectors. More information is needed.

Lynn Adams is working on the newsletter. Scottie will work on Wannebo road project, Jim on Norvado and other road projects, and Sandy on Snowplow Policy procedures. They will be mailed out on April 9, 2024.

Mike will call Bill Mihalek to train him in operating equipment and the roads and what needs to be done.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to be in the County culvert program with culverts being 5 to 6 feet in diameter costing $100.00 to $150.00 each which would be paid for by the County. Motion carried. All Ayes.

Scottie spoke on a grant for the FFY 2025 STP-Local Road Application. It was decided not to do this because the cost was too high for the Towns portion of the project and noted that a better priority is to budget funds available for road crack sealing as part of the Town’s 5-year road plan.

Because Supervisor Sandstrom is Chair of the Bayfield County Town Road Improvement Committee (CTRIC), he was assigned by the Wisconsin Town’s Association, along with the 10 other county funding chairs in the state’s upper region to rank 33 regional road funding projects as part of a pilot program via the WTA. That 11-person committee will meet in Ladysmith this week to confirm the final rankings, which will then be passed on to the state ranking committee.

Sandstrom spoke on the Wannebo Road project final design. It will be 1 ½ mile, due to the cost, which the current estimate shows to be on budget. The bids for construction of the project will be put out May 14th, 2024.

A motion by Scottie Sandstrom and a second by Jim Park to pay all current bills. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion and a second to adjourn.

Kerry Tetzner, Clerk

January 30, 2024

Special meeting virtual was called to order at 2:30 pm. Present: Kerry Tetzner by phone, Scottie Sandstrom, Sandy Raspotnik, Jim Park, Melissa Amrein, Dana Benson, Gina Park, Monique Mattson, Ron Rechel, Brenda Rechel, Wendy Stein, Robert Short, Steve Bade, Bob Mattson, Sarah Tetzner, Lynn Adams, Patrick Moore, Joe Tetzner, D & L Weigel, Fran Rechcygl, and one who would not identify themselves.

Meeting notices were posted in the three public places, and on the website.

Sandy said there was no public comment because there was not time.

The reason for the meeting was to respond to Rural Insurance because of the response from the underwriter for Rural Insurance. They wrote, “Thank you for the additional information. I would require the following in order to make an exception on this driver:

1. Vehicles and equipment deductible would need to be increased to $1000.00.
2. IRPM (discount) on policy needs to be amended from .41d to .35d.

Josh Huray wrote. “I requoted your policy with the changes my underwriter would require in order to allow Matthew Lippo to be a driver on the policy, with raising the deductibles on your vehicles and equipment to $1000.00 and taking 6% discount off, the premium goes from $13,898.00 a year to $14,983.00 a year. If you decide this is acceptable, the changes would take place on your renewal date of 04/12/24.”

A motion by Sandy Raspotnik and a second by Jim Park to accept the above requote.

Scottie Sandstrom discussed the hiring timeline and was concerned regarding liability issues with an insurance rate hike for the Town.

Jim Park said that checking into the passed of a person was discrimination.

Sandy Raspotnik said that accepting the increased deductibles and increased premium from the insurance company was the cost of doing business.

A vote was taken on the above motion: Jim Park, yes, Sandy Raspotnik, yes, Scottie Sandstrom, no. Motion carried.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to adjourn. Motion carried.

Kerry Tetzner, Clerk

January 12, 2024

Special meeting called to order at 8:00 am. Present: Kerry Tetzner, Sandy Raspotnik, Scottie Sandstrom, and Jim Park.

The reason for the meeting was to declare a Winter Weather Emergency under the following conditions: Two or more inches of snow, high winds, and rain and sleet conditions.

The Chair stated that she talked to the Wisconsin Towns Association and stated that it is a gray area on the ability for the person to drive without a CDL.

The Clerk read a response from Rural Insurance Company on the eligibility of an employee not having a CDL, but in the process of getting one. They said,” If the person does not have a CDL, they cannot operate any equipment on the roads that require a CDL. If they were to get a ticket, you do not want to go down that road. If there was an accident the Town would be 100% liable.” They will be checking with the under writer and get back to us but, until that time he cannot drive a CDL required vehicle. They can drive the Frontend Loader and Grader.

Supervisor Sandstrom stated that he felt that not having a CDL, not being covered by the insurance company, and it being a gray area, he was not comfortable with this.

Jim Park felt the same way.

The Chair said she would call Rural Insurance Company and adjourned the meeting for a couple hours.

The meeting has been rejourned to meeting at 12:30 pm.

Sandy reported on the call to Rural Insurance and stated that Matt Lippo could not be covered by the insurance company because of past issues. He would not be able to drive any of the equipment that the Town has. He could go to the underwriters and appeal. She said she would call a meeting the first part of next week to decide what the Board would do.

A motion by Jim Park and a second by Scottie Sandstrom to approve the Winter Weather Emergency Policy which can be found on the Town of Washburn Website. Motion carried. All Ayes.

A motion and a second to adjourn.

Kerry Tetzner, Clerk