State of Wisconsin
Town of Washburn
Bayfield County
Board Meeting
12/09/25

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.

Board members present: Scottie Sandstrom, Christina Eliason, Cyndee Marx, Seth Vasser, Matt Tetzner

Public in attendance: Mike Harvey

On-Line: Wendy Stein, Jim Park

The meeting was posted at the Town Hall, Tetzner’s Dairy, the Town website and Daily Press.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Public Comments: None

A Motion was made by Seth to approve the minutes from the previous meetings.  Seconded by Matt.  All ayes.

Reports:

Clerk – Cyndee checked with Horton and Holden insurance after a notice that a tax bond or ordinance should be in place for tax collection time.  The cost would be $200.00. Christina was concerned about the time limit for this to take effect with tax statements going out already.  Realistically, the time frame is not feasible to set in place for this year.  The town board will be liable.  It will be addressed in 2026.   Seth motioned to approve.  Matt seconded.   All ayes.

Treasurer– We have $242,000 in cash.  We got the shared revenue for $55,000.   Christina went to Novus training.  The tax bills may get mailed out by next week.

Biggest thing over budget this year was maintenance.  We are, for the most part, on budget.  Fuel was half amount of last year.  Mike said we’re using trucks more instead of grader too.

Road Crew – Mike said first storm had some issues, the biggest was he got grader stuck out in the barrens.  He had to have Tomlinson’s pull him out.  Mike is managing by himself, but if there are any complaints from residents on plowing, he said there may be a delay.  He has to get main roads done first.  Then he works on school bus route.  If there are complaints on the roads residents should be told we’re doing our best.  He will call Joe Tetzner only when needed.  We should keep looking for someone else to do this.  It should be doable as long as residents realize that they are secondary to the main roads.

We are working on getting mower tractor fixed now.   Brakes, wheel seal and maybe bad injector.  We will see when Lulich can do it.  Should he drive tractor over or have them pick up?

Matt will check the charges and when they can do it.

Mike will order filters that are needed.

Seth asked if we’re going to look for an employee now.  Scottie said to look at level of hours for an employee in January for maybe hire in April, mainly for the mower.

Seth asked Mike if he can handle future snow.  Joe said he’s willing to help but he doesn’t work for the town and is busy enough but willing to fill-in.  We really need someone with a CDL.  Do we want to advertise for this?    Christina will put a note with the tax letter to note that we’re looking for person who might be interested.

Chair –

Scottie sent in the gravel portion of Sky Rd to DOT.  We have to send in each year to verify roads, and mileage.  DOT confirmed everything was done.  It’s no longer part of taxable road.

Bright speed – We finally got a good contact to assist us to get the documentation on what, if any amount we need to pay, per a monthly invoice total which we don’t understand.    We’re hoping to get a final answer soon.

We were sent an email on the solar payment but we didn’t budget for this.   Why do we have to pay in December instead of January?  We have the documentation and paid the bill.

Cyndee and I got an email contact from the Democrat party.  Either party could send recommendations on Election Inspectors.  Scottie had not heard of this but is a law.  It’s new to us.  A person was noted to us to contact.  Either party, by law, had an opportunity to send to contact us through November but we had already approved poll workers in November.  To make sure we followed the law, and to give the contact an opportunity to still be added to our group of poll workers, Scottie had a conversation with Elizabeth Hughes (who was the contact provided) and told her we can reopen this and approve her and offered her the chance to serve.  She said she would be fine to wait to be added when we have a vacancy to be filled, so we will contact her when that opportunity arises.

Scottie contacted John Carlson, our Town Lawyer, to follow up on a document Bob Olson and his daughter provided us at our November meeting.  He suggested that Scottie, John and Bob Olson get together soon and see what they should consider regarding calcium carbonate application.  Bob asked if his daughter can be invited too.  John and Scottie said they’d like to do it the first week in February, then after the meeting, any options for changes to the Dust Ordinance, etc. would be reviewed with the Town Board for discussion.  John feels this would be the next best step.  Bob wants to have clarity on cost so he can bill his contractors.  Bob wants to apply around the Hove Lane corner.  Applying about 4 times a year will be good to discuss.  We want this to work mutually for the residents and Bob, considering this being a dirt road with ongoing challenges to mitigate dust.

Scottie posted both the citation and ordinance on the website.  If you want to look at it in person, contact Mike for review at the town garage.

Approval of reports:

Matt motioned to approve the reports.   Seconded by Seth.  All ayes.

Planning Commission   Kim Bro said there is no planning commission report.

Adoption of budget for 2026

A motion was made to approve the budget by Seth.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

County Mowing Proposals

Scottie said if the county would do it with their equipment, at a cost of $148.31 per hour.  The majority of mowing can be done in the Town in 4 wks.  The other option is if the county provides labor and uses our tractor and fuel. That would be $53.48 per hour.

How much would we pay someone part-time?  Could that person do other tasks?  At the expected $24.00/hr. wage per mowing, our cost will be much better, though other tasks get stretched when employee is needed other than for mowing.  A hire of just someone for mowing, and supplementing with another part-time person for other tasks could be an option.  If we want to consider any option by the county, we could let them know in a couple months, but per our savings doing it in house, appears that the county option may be unattractive.  The Town needs to make the best decision to balance employees needed per the forecasted tasks to be done.  Mike suggested trying to find someone because they want to come to work because they may be retired and such a job could be a good fit.    Discern how many hours and what they will do, Mike said it would mainly be mower and grading and cold mix work and we may need someone younger who can rake, possibly a student? Having a CDL is preferred but not necessary.  Mike feels the town shouldn’t pay for a new employee to get a CDL.  We need to determine how many hours and profile someone that is needed for the Jan. meeting.  Mike does 4/10 hr. days.  A lot of truck hauling and grading Mike can do by himself.

Should we look at a part-time potential person to move into full time and have an incentive for the person to become full time with benefits in the future?  We will put on the agenda in January.

Items to be placed on future agendas

Equipment review – invite Bob Anderson, Road Advisor to get an update on how equipment/maintenance is proceeding, also with Mike’s input.

Authorize the payment of bills

Matt motioned to authorize the bills.  Seth seconded.  All ayes.

Matt Motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Seth.   All ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully, submitted by,

Cyndee Marx, Town Clerk

Town of Washburn
Meeting of the Electorate
12/9/2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.

Board members present: Scottie Sandstrom, Christina Eliason, Cyndee Marx, Seth Vasser, Matt Tetzner

The meeting was posted at the Town Hall, Tetzner’s Dairy, the Town website and Daily Press.

Public in attendance: Mike Harvey

On-Line: Wendy Stein

A motion was made by Seth to approve the amended town budget for 2026.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Seth made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Meeting adjourned at: 6:39 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Cyndee Marx, Town Clerk.

STATE OF WISCONSIN
Town of Washburn
Bayfield County
Amended 2026 Budget Hearing
12/09/25

The meeting was called to order at:  6:30 p.m.

Board members present: Scottie Sandstrom, Christina Eliason, Cyndee Marx, Seth Vasser, Matt Tetzner

The meeting was posted at the Town Hall, Tetzner’s Dairy, the Town website and Daily Press.

Public in attendance: Mike Harvey

On-Line: Wendy Stein

The proposed Amended budget for 2026 was presented.

The reason we need to amend the budget is at the last public hearing we were going to levy the truck payment for $27,238.12 and next year’s Engoe Road project for $35,000.  After clear review, the only thing we can levy is something we have a capital expense for, which is the truck loan.  The truck payment only can be levied hence the 2026 Budget will be so amended to reflect that change.

We had to pay money in December for the solar project so, we’ll reduce the forecast on the next year’s budget.

Seth motioned to approve the amended 2026 Town Budget and Levy.  Matt seconded the motion.  All ayes.

Seth moved to move out of Budget meeting.   Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Matt Motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Seth seconded. All ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Marx, Town Clerk

State of Wisconsin

Town of Washburn

Board Meeting Minutes 11-11-25

Call to order – meeting began at 6:44 p.m.

Those present were: Scottie Sandstrom, Matt Tetzner, Christina Eliason, Cyndee Marx, Seth Vasser

Others:  Bob Olson, Pamela McGillivray, Kim Bro.  On line:  Wendy Stein, Jim Park

Posted notice at Daily Press, Website, Town Hall and Tetzner’s Dairy

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Public comments: 

Pamela McGillivray, daughter of Bob Olson and lawyer, environmental and land use spoke.  She was not in attendance for the dust ordinance.  She’s requesting room for changes to dust ordinance to make it workable for everyone.  It’s about dust on gravel road from any trucks.  There are other vehicles that create this, as well.

She said that terms are not defined.  How do we know when excessive dust occurs?  Also, there is no limitation as to cost.  That open amount is not fair.  Also related, the ordinance contains a steep penalty for failure to pay bill.  That amount is excessive.  It is creating much turmoil for her family.

She is asking the Board to go back and think about how to make it more understandable and have stop gaps for amounts cited.  She suggested an amount for $3,000 for planning purposes.  The ordinance she refers to relates to dust mitigation from County C onto Hovey Lane.  There has been only one complaint from SW Hovey Lane.  Do dust mitigation control from that corner from neighbors who brought up the issue.

$500/day penalty is out of line with failure to pay with ordinances and state statues.  She said they are here as a good faith measure to resolve this.

Bob prepared a written statement.  They want to make it work but not on the back of unreasonable ordinances.

Scottie asked for a discussion on remedy to this.  Motion by Matt, second by Seth to open the floor.  All ayes.

Scottie said we need to get our lawyer, John Carlson involved.  Pam summarized in a letter what she shared.  She would be willing to have that conversation with Carlson to see if changes need to be made.  Scottie said he would work toward convening a meeting with them, our Board and Carlson, and obtained Pam’s phone contact information.

Bob got a quote for 3250 ft of paving the road. Northwoods Paving was $98,000.  (Cty C to his road 22 ft wide, with 2” asphalt thickness).

Seth moved out of public comments.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Seth made a motion to accept the agenda.  Matt seconded, all ayes.

Scottie made a motion to approve the minutes from five previous meetings.  Seth seconded to approve Oct. 14^th Closed Session Meeting, Town Boad Meeting, Oct. 14, Closed Session Meeting, Oct. 22^nd, Oct. 22 Budget Session Meeting and Special Closed Session Meeting, Nov. 10^th.  All Ayes.

Seth motioned to approve the budget, Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Dust Citation review and action. 

Scottie:  The citation we got from John Carlson is a general one he has used for other townships.  It can be applicable for any citations we may cite.   It’s the process for issuing a citation.  Scottie gave a copy to Pam for her and Mr. Olson.

Seth motioned to approve the citation ordinance.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Scottie signed it.  Cyndee witnessed it.  It needs a public notice of ordinance adoption for #2025-3.

Reports:

Treasurer –

For Nov 2025:

• We in a good position with $253,679 in the bank
• We will be paying the $37,400 invoice for crack sealing.
• We’re expecting a check from the State of WI for $50,000 more in shared revenue
• We have 2 CDs in the bank
• Snow plow letters have been received. 10 regular plowing requests have been received plus others, on request, based on time.
• 4^th payroll is done, will meet with Cyndee Friday to start training on QuickBooks.
• Bills are paid from up to Nov. 11.

Road Crew – Mike got some grading done in the national forest.

We are moving into snowing season and will try to get mowing done in the barrens on the side of road.  Some was done on FR236 this summer.

Mike was asked to get prices on signs, bicycle/walking and other- 6 signs at 45 mph would be $880.  Kim recommended at McKinley and S. Maple hill to C would have 45 mph limit.

There was discussion on other caution signs and where they should be placed in town.

It was decided to get 6 signs at 45 mph for now.  A motion was made by Matt, Scottie seconded.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Chair report – Scottie met with Emmer Shields.  He submitted the Town’s TRI application, which we have secured to be reimbursed 50% from the State DOT for the west 1-mile Engoe Road double-chip seal construction the Town will do in 2026.  Emmer will submit the application into WISLR for us.  Scottie also submitted the LRIP application for the portion of west Wannebo Rd (Pajala Rd to Church Corner Rd on Wannebo) to Emmer which Bob Anderson, town resident crafted for the Town, plus Scottie provided the narrative for the application, along with pictures and support letters were submitted.  A good narrative is important for people who look at application, safety is priority, tourist traffic along with the economic impact of logging, which is all included in the application.  The County CTRIC committee will review all Town applications within the County once all applications are in.  The Town always hopes for a high ranking within the submissions, which can lead to more chance of the application to be awarded.

On Nov. 6, Scottie emailed Brightspeed.  We have been asking since August for copies of invoices for the year.  They need to get us the documentation per month.  Scottie will continue to follow up.

We got an email from Lynn Devine that asked if our Town could be a food collection spot.  Our consensus is we won’t have people to man it.  If they have a drop off in Washburn, we can let people know.  Cyndee will let her know.    Seth moved to approve reports.  Matt seconded.  All ayes.

The Planning commission asking for approval on driveway permit for Eric and Brittany Sirrine driveway.  They have a gravel road now and one acre clearing.  It was recommended to approve.

Kim Bro noted that Tim Schweinzfier, a plan commission member, acknowledged that the new County building inspector from Clear Lake, has suggested that when we issue a driveway permit, the Town should provide the signed copy of it to the land owner.  It was agreed that a signed pdf copy will be scanned and approved and emailed to them.    Christina got a signed driveway permit check for $25.  Everything since mid-September, Christina has, and if will be checked if any driveway permit checks aren’t yet secured.  The most recent permit was for Norman and Susan Sessman.

Scan and send email to Sirrine’s and give back to Mike.  Cyndee will do.

Landfill – Scottie brought up to Kim Bro that we need to follow up regarding an ordinance to be crafted together for our Town, the Town of Bayview, and the City of Washburn.  We will use joint resolution as model.

Cyndee announced the Election Poll workers to be approved.  They are Ruth Hartzell, Lynne Borchers, Sarah Tetzner, Mike Vavrus, Christina Eliason,  Caroline Twombly and Cheryl Sandstrom.  Cyndee will notify them and get them their certificates and the Oath of Office signed.  Motion to approve them by Scottie, Seth seconded.  All ayes.

There was a motion by Matt to approve the budget.  Seth seconded.  All ayes.  The budget was approved.

Road Crew Future Planning and subs for snow plowing were discussed.  Matt talked to Joe Tetzner.  He would do early mornings.  Mike will contact him and set up time to meet.  Bill Mihalek and Pat Guski were also noted as possible drivers.

There was discussed on how they were to be paid and what rate   Would they be on payroll or sub-contractors and how many people were needed?  A wage rate for part time was agreed at $24.00/hr.    Scottie motioned to approve the rate.  Seth seconded.  All ayes.

We’re going to work with part-time snowplow drivers this winter and review whether to look at part-time hiring, full-time hiring or contracting with the county for spring.

Town Building Permits update

Regarding Invoicing for outstanding building permits that the Town is obligated to pay, Scottie asked Mr. Kegley (the new County Building Inspector) and wife Dawn about people outstanding with inspections.  We were given an estimate of $1,000 left to do. Christina has a check to send them on the current invoice.  Seth made a motion to approve, Matt seconded, All ayes.

Future agenda items:  The Olson ordinance:  Matt asked if can we do recycled blacktop? If we do calcium chloride over it, will it hold?   Mike will check with Sipsas and South Shore Sand and Gravel on recycled pricing.  Would it work and how much would it cost and how applications would be needed per year?  He will clarify the cost before the December meeting.

The Board Authorized the payment of bills.

Mileage and meeting pay sheets are due by November 30.

Seth made a motion to approve the bills.   Matt seconded.  All ayes.

Seth motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Matt seconded.  All ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Cyndee Marx, Town Clerk.