Town of Washburn Website & Facebook Posting Policy

To provide direction to those who administer posting events, announcements, policies, forms, documents, etc. on the Town Website, plus postings on the Town Facebook page, the following Parameters and list of Specific items to post, shall be followed:

Website Postings:

Parameters: 

• Town business items and events sanctioned by the Town should be posted and promoted.
• Events that aren’t specified as Town events, should not be posted, as to stay neutral so as not to promote one event requested and then, perhaps, not honoring another event request.
• Announcements of Importance shall be posted.

Specific Content to be posted:

• Meeting Agendas
• Minutes from Past Meetings
• Information on Town recycling/garbage services
• Copies of Town Ordinances and resolutions
• List of Town Officials and their Contact Info.
• Tax Collection Information
• Election Information
• News about Road Projects/Closures
• Annual Newsletter
• Select Snowstorm/Snowplowing Alerts

Facebook Postings:

Parameters:

• Clarify that public comments will be turned off on the page, to avoid members of the public posting misinformation or inappropriate remarks.
• The posting administrator(s) need to consistently effect the above step, after each posting.

Specific Content to be posted:

• Road pictures and accompanying script that highlights road repair, new road paving, etc.
• Town events, such as a Town Picnic
• Town highlight of a new vehicle or new Town road service being employed with an accompanying script

Policy affirmed (approved) September 9, 2025

 2025 Town of Washburn Purchasing Procedures*

(1) The purchase of office-supply, maintenance and repair parts, with the anticipated cost under $500, may be made by the Town Clerk, the Town Treasurer and the Town Road Supervisor without pre-approval of the Town Chairperson or a Town Board Member. Prior to purchasing the purchaser must review the budget area that relates to the purchase to confirm available funding. Following purchase, the Town Clerk must be promptly provided a packing slip/receipt that includes date, amount of purchase and purchase description. Per this protocol, the Clerk is made aware of purchases in order to maintain an accurate accounting of budget balances.

(2) Purchases in the amount of $500 to $2000 must be requested of and authorized by the Town Chairperson. Prior to requesting the purchase, the purchaser must review the budget area that relates to the purchase to confirm available funding. The approval/disapproval of the request by the Town Chairperson will also be driven by such a budget analysis. If approved, the purchase shall be communicated to the Town Clerk in the form of a packing slip/receipt as noted in point #1.

(3) Purchases over $2000 shall be approved by the Town Board, again being driven by budget fund availability within the Town category area of purchase. Purchases under this subsection may be made on the open market and directly from a dealer or supplier without obtaining sealed quotations, or depending on the amount, may be subject to being bid out to multiple vendors by state law.

Dated ______________   Chairman _________________________________________

.                                                                                   Sandra J. Raspotnik

Supervisor __________________________   Supervisor ___________________________

.                                       Jim Park                                                                Scottie Sandstrom

Clerk _________________________________ Treasurer ___________________________

.                                Lance Twombly                                                           Lynn Adams

Road Superintendent ______________________________________

.                                                       Michael Harvey

*The above, amends the 2016 Town of Washburn Purchasing Procedures (see attached).

2016 TOWN OF WASHBURN PURCHASING PROCEDURES

(1) The monthly purchase of office type materials and supplies, used in the day-to-day functions of the town government, the anticipated cost of which is under $500, may be made by the Town Clerk, the Town Treasurer and the Town Road Supervisor without the approval of the Town Chairperson or any other Town Board Members. In this case “materials and supplies” include paper, stationary, portage, ink cartridges, other office supplies, cleaning materials and supplies, maintenance materials, equipment repairs and other like and similar items. The Town Clerk must be made aware of purchases and anticipated purchases in order to maintain an accurate accounting of the remaining balance for the determined period. If only a portion of the $500 is used, that amount will be made available and added to the fund so that $500 would be available for the following month.

(2) The monthly purchase of materials and supplies, permanent personal property and services, the anticipated cost of which is between $500 and $2,000 shall be authorized by the Town Chairperson. Such purchases shall be approved by the Town Clerk for fund/budget availability prior to the purchase. If only a portion of the $2,000 is used, that amount will be made available and added to the fund so that $2,000 would be available for the following month. “Permanent personal property” includes furniture, furnishings, computer equipment, calculating equipment, small machines, parts, tools and equipment or any other property which customarily has a use life of more than one year.

(3) Purchases over $2,000 shall be approved by the Town Board. Purchases under this subscription may be made on the open market and directly from a dealer of supplier without obtaining sealed quotations, but such purchased shall be made, when possible, after multiple quotations or proposals have been obtained.

Dated ______________   Chairman _________________________________________
.                                                                                    Bruce Hokanson

Supervisor __________________________   Supervisor ___________________________

.                           John Hartzell                                                                       Steven Tetzner

Clerk _________________________________ Treasurer ___________________________

.                          Kerry Tetzner                                                                       Donna Chapman

Road Superintendent ______________________________________

.                                        Michael Harvey

Link to Original Signed 2025 Town of Washburn Purchasing Procedures

Link to Original Signed 2016 Town of Washburn Purchasing Procedures

Town of Washburn
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
Hiring Policy

To assure consistency and thoroughness in the hiring process going forward, the Town of Washburn hereby adopts the following Hiring Policy steps:

1. Hiring Committee Members: The committee will include the Town Chair, the Town Supervisors, and a Road Crew Member.
2. Advertise in one or two local paper publications and via on-line sites such as Indeed. In the advertisement bullet points, make sure to include the following:

• Preference is given to applicants that have a current, valid CDL. If the CDL is not currently held, a period of up to 6 months will be given to obtain the licensing.  The Town Board has the discretion to extend this period if necessary.
• Applicants will be directed to access the Town website, where they will find an application and background check form* to fill out, sign and return. Key details regarding the form and application includes:

1. Authorization to check submission of 2-3 references.
2. The *form will be referenced, stating that the form for the background check is for informational purposes only for all applicants, and will only be required to be filled in, signed and submitted by the lead applicant the Town chooses to pursue for the position at the time the Town contacts that applicant.
3. The application will include a signed statement attesting to accurate representation of facts.
4. Receive applications (a letter of interest and resume will be welcomed as well).
5. Screen applications to identify the pool of candidates to interview, with preference to candidates who meet all position requirements.
6. Conduct Interviews:

• Use questions (such as attached).
• Select top candidate, and alternate.

6. Board will do a driver license check through the WisDOT Public Abstract Request System (PARS). https://portal.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
7. Notify the top candidate, that the position will be contingent on doing a background check, to be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Crime Information Bureau. This will be accessed, as above via the (PARS) site:  https://portal.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
   Concurrently, the board should request and receive training on this process via The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This information will be handled confidentially following board policy on the handling of confidential information.
8. Extend a contingent offer of employment to the top selected candidate, pending a drug screening with successful results.
9. If the top candidate does not successfully meet the requirements set forth in this process, the alternate candidate should be directed through steps 6 through 8.

The Town of Washburn does not discriminate in the employment of any individual on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, military service, use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters. (§ 111.321 Wis. Stats.) Also covered is any other nondiscrimination category that may be subsequently added, even if not included in the above list, by the Wisconsin State Legislature.

Adopted August 6, 2024

Town of Washburn
Bayfield County Wisconsin

Fair Employment Policy

WHEREAS, The Wisconsin State Legislature finds that the practice of unfair discrimination in employment against properly qualified individuals substantially and adversely affects the general welfare of the state and deprives those individuals of the earnings that are necessary to maintain a just and decent standard of living (§ 111.31(1) Wis. Stats.) and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of the legislature to protect by law the rights of all individuals to obtain gainful employment and to enjoy privileges free from employment discrimination (§ 111.31(2) Wis. Stats.)

THEREFORE, The Town of Washburn affirms the State of Wisconsin fair employment statutes by adopting this policy.

The Town of Washburn does not discriminate in the employment of any individual on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, military service, use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters. (§ 111.321 Wis. Stats.) Also covered is any other nondiscrimination category that may be subsequently added, even if not included in the above list, by the Wisconsin State Legislature.

Adopted February 13, 2024

TOWN OF WASHBURN
BAYFIELD COUNTY

The Town of Washburn may declare a Winter Weather Emergency under the following conditions:

2 or more inches of snow
Strong winds which cause drifting across roads
Rain or sleet which cause ice buildup on roads

Any or all of these conditions may cause a Winter Weather Emergency. The Emergency will be declared by the chair of the Town of Washburn and will be posted on the Town website https://townofwashburn.wi.gov

This policy was passed at the January 12, 2024 town meeting.

NOTICE TO ALL BAYFIELD COUNTY DOG OWNERS

Pursuant to §174.052, Wisconsin Statutes, notice is hereby given to all owners of dogs in
Bayfield County that rabies vaccinations and dog licenses are required.

Vaccination by a veterinarian against rabies of all dogs is required (§95.21(2)) except as
provided in §174.054, the owner of the dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a
veterinarian within thirty (30) days after the dog reaches four (4) months of age and revaccinated
within one (1) year after the initial vaccination. Older vaccinated dogs must be revaccinated
when the certificate expires or within three (3) years of the previous vaccination. Certificates of
current vaccination must be presented when obtaining dog licenses. Present law exempts
presentation of proof of vaccination in municipalities where no local ordinance demands such
proof.

All dogs five (5) months of age or older require a license. The minimum license fee for neutered
males or spayed females is Five Dollars ($5.00), upon presentation of evidence attesting to the
same and Twelve Dollars ($12.00) for the unneutered male or unspayed female dog. These
minimums may be supplemented by local municipal action. Kennel licenses have been raised to
Fifty-Five Dollars ($55.00).

PENALTIES

A late fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) shall be assessed and collected from the owner of each dog
five (5) months of age or over who fails to obtain a dog license by April 1, 2023.

An owner who fails to have a dog vaccinated against rabies as required by statute may be
required to forfeit not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars
($100.00).

2023 dog licenses can be obtained from your local treasurer right now.

Lynn M. Divine
Bayfield County Clerk

The Town of Washburn (“Town”) hereby adopts this policy (“Policy”) governing selection of contractors for Town projects involving the construction, execution, repair, remodeling or improvement of any public work or building or for the furnishing of materials or supplies (“Public Contract”).

1. Adoption of State Standards. Except as otherwise provided by this Policy, the Town shall abide by Wis. Stat. § 60.47 and any other applicable Wisconsin statutes prior to entering into a Public Contract.
2. Procurement Standards Mandated by Federal Law. In addition to complying with the requirements of Section 1, the Town shall use the following standards for contracts for the construction, execution, repair, remodeling or improvement of a public work or building; the furnishing of supplies, materials, or equipment; or services that require adherence to federal procurement laws. If any federal provision conflicts with state law, the federal requirement shall apply for projects that require adherence to federal law. Where state law is more restrictive than federal law, state law shall apply.
   1. The following requirements apply to projects where the total costs exceed the federal simplified acquisition threshold, as defined by 48 CFR § 2.101, which, as of 2022, is $250,000:
      1. The Town shall only select contractors through a full and open competition. All contracts shall be awarded to lowest responsible bidder.
      2. The Town shall select a contractor based on sealed bids, unless either of the following apply:
         1. The Town Board determines that it may seek proposals for a fixed price or cost-reimbursement contract, and it is not appropriate to use sealed bids. Contracts awarded using proposals must adhere to the following requirements:
            1. The requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors along with their relative importance.
            2. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors.
            3. The Town must prepare a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections.
            4. The contract must be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal is the most advantageous to the Town.
            5. The Town may use competitive proposal procedures for architectural or engineering services where the qualifications are evaluated and the most qualified entity is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. Price is not required to be a selection factor for architectural or engineering services. The Town cannot use this method to purchase other types of services through architectural or engineering firms that are a potential source to perform the proposed project.
         2. The Town may use a noncompetitive procurement if one of the following apply:
            1. The contract is for acquisition of property or services, and the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the self-certified micro-purchase threshold as established below
            2. The item is only available from a single source.
            3. There is a public emergency where the Town cannot delay in awarding the contract.
            4. The federal agency awarding the grant or funds expressly authorized a noncompetitive procurement.
            5. After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
      3. The project shall be publicly advertised and provide bidders sufficient time to respond. For advertising purposes, the Town shall, at a minimum, comply with the requirements of Wis. Stat. § 60.47.
      4. The Town will develop a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured that does not unduly restrict competition. The specifications will identify all requirements that contractors must fulfill.
      5. Contractors that assist in developing specifications for the project to be bid cannot submit bids.
      6. Bids shall be opened publicly at the time and place specified by the bid invitation.
      7. vii.The Town shall only award contracts to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. In determining if a contractor is responsible, the Town can consider factors such as:
         1. The integrity of the contractor.
         2. The contractor’s past performance of contracts or projects.
         3. The financial and technical resources of the contractor.
      8. viii.Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason.
      9. The Town shall maintain records, pursuant to its records retention policy, of its procurement history involving the use of federal funds. These records will include:
         1. The Town’s rationale for the procurement method used.
         2. How the Town selected the contract and contractor.
         3. Records indicating the basis for a contract price.
      10. The Town shall avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items.
      11. The following bonding requirements shall apply to construction or facility improvement contracts:
          1. Each bidder must submit a bid guarantee equal to five percent of the total bid price.
          2. The selected contractor must submit a performance bond for 100 percent of the contract price
          3. The selected contractor must submit a payment bond for 100 percent of the contract price.
      12. xii.The Town shall perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but shall include making independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals.
      13. xiii.The Town’s strong preference shall be to select contractors that do not use estimated costs in their bids. However, the Town may accept time and materials type contracts (defined a contract whose cost to the Town is the total of the actual cost of materials and the direct labor hours charged at fixed hourly rates) only if it determines that no other contract is suitable and the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk.
   2. The Town shall competitively bid projects in conformance with Section 1 of this Policy for projects involving the use of federal funds where the total project costs are greater than the town’s self-certified micro-purchase threshold, but less than the federal simplified acquisition threshold.
   3. In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(a)(1)(iv)(C), the Town self-certifies that its micro-purchase threshold shall be $25,000. The self-certification is based on Wis. Stat. § 60.47, which only requires towns to competitively bid public works contracts in excess of $25,000.
   4. The following requirements apply to projects involving the use of federal funds where the total project costs do not exceed the Town’s self-certified micro-purchase threshold, which, as of 2022, is $25,000.
      1. The Town shall follow Section 1 of this Policy.
      2. If no bid is required, the Town may enter into a contract if, based on research, experience, purchase history or other information, the price is reasonable.
      3. The Town shall review its self-certified micro-purchase threshold annually after the effective date of this Policy. If Wisconsin’s bidding laws have not changed and the Town has not taken any formal action to revise its self-certified micro-purchase threshold, the Town will have been deemed to have self-certified the micro-purchase threshold used from the previous year.
   5. The Town shall take the following steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible:
      1. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on any solicitation lists;
      2. Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
      3. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises;
      4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises;
      5. Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and
      6. Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (i) through (v) of this subsection.
   6. When required by federal law, the Town should, to the greatest extent practicable provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States.
   7. The Town shall comply with section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements of Section 6002 include procuring only items designated in guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency at 40 CFR part 247 that contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition, where the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value of the quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; and procuring solid waste management services in a manner that maximizes energy and resource recovery.
   8. The Town shall negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each contract in which there is no price competition and in all cases where cost analysis is performed. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration must be given to the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the contractor, the contractor’s investment, the amount of subcontracting, the quality of the contractor’s record of past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
   9. Every contract executed by the Town shall include all provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.327 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II.

Adopted on October 11, 2022

SNOW PLOWING POLICY
TOWN OF WASHBURN
BAYFIELD COUNTY, WISCONSIN

INTRODUCTION
Keeping the roads safe during the winter months is a challenge in northern Wisconsin.
The Town of Washburn is committed to keeping the roads in a condition that makes travel safe and possible. The purpose of this document is to set forth the Town’s snowplow policy and inform citizens of the important factors and associated conditions involved in providing this service. While the policy will not answer every question and with the changing of weather conditions we all need to be flexible and patient.

TOWN POLICY
In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, no commercial driveways or parking lots may be plowed by the town. The Town, its officials, and employees will not be held responsible for any personal injuries or property damage when the Town of Washburn is engaged in snow plowing

 SNOW PLOWING ROUTES
The Town of Washburn has about 130 miles of roads. Thirty of those miles are in the “residential” area of the town with the rest being in the National Forest.  The 30 miles is divided in two sections with one of the crew being to the north and one to the south. The number of miles in the National Forest that need to be plowed varies according to the timber sales that are active each winter. There are certain roads that are kept open all year  FR 500, 251, 252 and 236 are examples.

PRIORITIES
During a snow event there are priorities in which roads are plowed first. The main roads which are the main pass through roads are first. Examples of those roads are Church Corner, Wannebo, and Ondossagon Roads. Secondary roads, such as Nevers, North, South and West Maple Hill Roads, and the Engoe Roads are next.  The third priority would be the dead-end/crossroads such as Hove Lane, Pajala Road, and Bjork Road. During the school term, the school bus routes are also considered as being high priority.  The Forest Roads are plowed next. These are roads where there are active timber sales.  Driveways are plowed last.

TIMES FOR PLOWING
The town crew typically begin their day at 6:00 a.m. If there is a heavy snowfall they may start earlier. The goal is to get roads cleared before people head out to work and then again before they return. The hours may be altered as determined by weather conditions, the forecast and to provide a safe working situation.

DECISION ON PLOWING
Each storm is different. The Road Supervisor will take many variables into consideration in the decision to plow or to not plow. Some of those variables include temperature, wind, conditions prior to storm and during the storm, forecast, previously sanded roads, rain and ice build up, and the amount of snow that falls. Taking all of these factors into consideration, it is typical that plowing may begin when 3 inches of snow has fallen. A major exception may be if there is ice build up previous to the snow fall. In that situation leaving a layer of snow increases safety and decreases ice build up. It is not an exact science and there may be times when the decision of when or if to plow is questioned. The first and most important aspect is the safety of those on the road. The Road Supervisor will be in consultation with the Town Board during major snow events. If you have a question or concern during a major snow event contact a member of your town board rather than the road crew.

DRIVEWAYS
The Town of Washburn will send out Snow Plow request forms each fall. Completed Snow Plow request forms are to be sent to the town treasurer by October 31st. A late fee will be assessed and added to the snowplow bill if not received by this date – except for residents moving in after that time. Driveways will not be plowed until the Snowplow Request form is turned into the town.
Renters must submit a deposit as stated with the request form. The deposit will be held as an advance payment for the current season. If the final bill for services is less than the deposit, a refund will be issued at the end of the plowing season.

Each yearly bill must be paid in full within the prescribed time assigned or it will be considered delinquent.  In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, all delinquent bills, whether the responsibility of the landowner or a renter, become a lien against the property and will be added to the tax statement as a special assessment resulting in the denial of future snow plowing service.

Described below are the snowplowing options provided by the Town:

• Traditional Driveway Snow Plowing: Plowing will generally be done when there is an accumulation of 5 inches or more of snow, at the discretion of the crew members. Please remember the Town’s primary responsibility is to maintain town roads thus, depending on the snowfall amount, there may be a delay of one or more days before driveways will be plowed.
• Plow on Request: Residents who elect to handle snow removal themselves or through private contractors but who find that they need assistance after an unusually heavy snowfall or with a buildup of snow, may choose this service. Upon request, the Town will “wing back” snow banks at the same rates described. This service is contingent upon the driveway meeting the same criteria described. When requesting this service, leave a telephone message at the Town Garage at 715-373-2567.

If either of the above services is desired, please fill out the Snowplow Request form.

Improvements or structures that need protection such as well heads, septic systems and mail boxes must be flagged and clearly visible to the equipment operators.

Driveways to be plowed by the Town must meet the requirements described in the Town’s Driveway Ordinance (available on the Town website). These requirements include:

• Minimum road surface width – 12 feet
• Minimum width clearance between trees – 24 feet
• Minimum height clearance free of trees, limbs, wires, etc. – 14 feet
• Maximum grade – 10%
• The driveway corridor must be cleared of obstacles.
• There must be room for large equipment to turn around.

The Town is not able to subsidize the costs of plowing driveways with public funds.

The Town of Washburn reserves the right to deny driveway snow plowing if requirements are not met or if there are delinquent payments. Any damage to Town or emergency vehicles due to non-compliance will be billed to the resident/landowner.

KEEPING ROADWAYS SAFE
When you take care of your own snow removal please be aware that pushing snow onto or across roads from private driveways can cause accidents, death and/or damage.
Keep garbage containers out of the right of way so the plows can safely clear the roads without hitting your containers.
Parking your car on the town road can cause safety issues. With minimal shoulders, a car parked on the road can be in the way of plows and be in the way of other traffic.

MAILBOXES
Mailboxes must be properly installed in a way that handles snow coming off the plows as they go past. The town will take responsibility only if there is a direct hit by the plow to a properly installed mailbox. Information on how mailboxes should be installed to limit mailbox damage can be found on the Town of Washburn website and will be included with the initial letter/application form.

WINGING OR WIDENING ROADS
Care will be given to leaving the least deposits of snow in driveways as possible, but cannot be completely avoided. To keep the snow in your driveway to a minimum, when plowing your driveway put as much snow as possible to the right side of your driveway as you are exiting.  Or at least 20 feet into your driveway rather than on the roadside.

IMPASSABLE ROADS
During blizzard conditions, plows may be pulled from the roads until the weather lessens. Please stay off the roads until the plows can get out.

EMERGENCIES
If there is an emergency situation, ambulance and/or fire department, call 911 or the Sheriff’s Department at 715-373-6120 and the response will be put into motion.
Having a doctor appointment is not considered a medical emergency.
The concern that you or a family member may become ill is not a medical emergency.
Be prepared for winter, make sure you have adequate fuel to heat your home and supplies. Running low on fuel or supplies is not considered an emergency.