Ashland County public meetings in 2024
40 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning & Zoning
The Sustainability Committee will meet to review the Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification and its own mission statement. The body will also discuss potential grant opportunities and receive updates on the City Solar Assessment and Parks Master Plan.
- Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification update
- Mission Statement discussion
- Grant opportunities presented by Beth Gehred
- City Solar Assessment update
- Parks Master Plan update
General
The Disabled Parking Enforcement Assistance Council will meet to discuss specific parking matters. The body will consider an application for 615 Prentice Ave and review an update regarding 307 Beaser Avenue.
- Application for Tamara Tupesis at 615 Prentice Ave
- Update regarding 307 Beaser Avenue
- Approval of March 6, 2024 meeting minutes
Planning & Zoning
The Ashland County Planning Commission will meet on Dec. 17, 2024 to review several agenda items. Commissioners will vote on a zone change from Planned Residential/Institutional (PRI) to PRI with a Planned Unit Development overlay for parcel #201-04943-0200. They will also consider a Conditional Use Permit for a fence taller than six feet at 1615 Maple Lane, parcel #201-04893-0000. Additional discussion will cover property‑maintenance enforcement, November 2024 building permits, and other planning matters.
- Zone change request: PRI to PRI‑PUD for parcel #201-04943-0200 (applicant Michael Hebert)
- Conditional Use Permit for a fence >6 ft at 1615 Maple Lane, parcel #201-04893-0000 (applicant Arnie Mackey Construction Inc. for Tamarack Health)
- Update on property maintenance enforcement
- Update on building permits for November 2024
- Update on miscellaneous planning and development items
Marina
The Harbor Commission will conduct its regular meeting, including approval of the August 13, 2024 minutes and a review of the financial statement. Members will consider old business items such as approving Change Order #0077361 for the fuel system and additional concrete adjacent to the building, and receive a boat launch update. New business will include the manager's report before adjourning.
- Approve Change Order #0077361 for fuel system and additional concrete
- Boat launch update
- Review financial statement
- Manager's report
- Approve August 13, 2024 Harbor Commission minutes
City Council
The council will consider several old‑business approvals, including a contract with Huffcutt Concrete for a replacement bathhouse at the Kreher Park campground expansion, a design‑engineering cost proposal for the 2025 Chapple Avenue reconstruction, and various ordinance, grant, and finance actions. New‑business items include a presentation of the 2023 financial audit, review of the 2025 council meeting calendar, two alcohol‑beverage license applications, and contracts for library renovation services and facility cleaning.
- Approve contract with Huffcutt Concrete, LLC for replacement bathhouse at Kreher Park campground expansion (Public Works/Parks & Recreation)
- Approve cost proposal from Northern Wisconsin Based Engineers, Inc. for design of 2025 Chapple Avenue Reconstruction Project (Public Works)
- Approve ordinance amending Chapter 711 (1252) for POTW and collection system (Public Works)
- Approve Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant Agreement for Emerald Ash Borer readiness plan (Parks & Recreation)
- Consider alcohol beverage license applications: UMA SHIV Inc. dba Super H Foods at 511 Main Street East and RAM SITA Inc. dba Shell Ashland Gas Station at 810 Lake Shore Drive West
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will meet after the City Council adjourns to consider several discussion items. Members will discuss and possibly act on the Parks Master Plan, a request for public‑works construction without competitive bids, a SCADA upgrade proposal, revisions to property‑maintenance and fee‑schedule ordinances, a short‑term rental ordinance, and a fire‑department grant application. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the items are listed for discussion and possible action.
- Discussion and Possible Action Regarding City of Ashland Parks Master Plan (Parks & Recreation)
- Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Allowing the Public Works Department to Perform Public Construction without Advertising for Competitive Bids (Public Works)
- Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Professional Services Proposal from Energenecs, Inc for Supervisory Data and Acquisition Control (SCADA) Upgrades at the Drinking Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Plants (Public Works)
- Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Planning and Development)
- Discussion and Possible Action to Allow the Ashland Fire Department to Apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (Fire/EMS Department)
Airport
The Ashland City/County JFK Memorial Airport Commission will meet to discuss an airport lot survey and personal property tax, consider a lot fee increase for the upcoming year, and review a one-year lease hangar inspection. The commission will also approve the September 26, 2024 meeting minutes, hear a citizen participation period, receive the Airport Manager’s Report, approve bills, set the next meeting date, and adjourn.
- Discussion of Airport Lot Survey and Personal Property Tax
- Discussion of Lot Fee Increase for Upcoming Year
- Discussion of One-Year Lease Hangar Inspection
- Approval of September 26, 2024 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes
- Approval of Bills
General
The joint Parks & Recreation and Sustainability Committees will meet to discuss and possibly act on the City of Ashland’s Parks Master Plan. The agenda includes a public comment period, roll call, and standard procedural items. No other specific actions or contracts are listed.
- Discussion and possible action on the City of Ashland’s Parks Master Plan
- Public comment period
Planning & Zoning
The Planning Commission will meet to review a site plan for a parking lot expansion. The body will also receive updates on building permits and property maintenance enforcement.
- Site Plan review for parking lot expansion at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 622 10th Avenue W
City Council
The Ashland City Council will discuss and vote on several items, including a public hearing on the proposed 2025 city budget. The council will also consider a resolution to issue a $262,000 taxable general obligation promissory note and adopt the 2025 non‑represented employees salary schedule. Additional agenda items involve fee schedule amendments, a $249,000 state grant for the former Baron Radiator site, and engineering services for the Kreher Boat Launch project.
- Approve ordinance amending Chapter 165 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
- Accept $249,000 Wisconsin DNR Stewardship Grant for redevelopment of the former Baron Radiator site
- Authorize City Administrator to approve engineering services for the Kreher Boat Launch project
- Public hearing on the proposed 2025 City of Ashland budget
- Consider resolution authorizing issuance and sale of a $262,000 one‑year taxable general obligation promissory note
City Council
The City Council will consider funding and grants for library renovations and energy assessments. The body will also review a condominium plat and an alcohol beverage license application.
- Resolution for $4,340,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes for library projects
- Acceptance of $3,386,967 Wisconsin Department of Administration grant for Vaughn Public Library third floor renovation
- $75,000 contract with Jolma Electric LLC for solar and micro-grid assessment
- Final condominium plat for 208 3rd Avenue West
- Alcohol beverage license application for The Union on Main at 100 Main Street West
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss and possibly act on the proposed 2025 fee schedule, budget, and various grant applications. The meeting will follow the City Council meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers.
- Discussion on Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule Changes
- Discussion on Amending Chapter 711 Ordinance for POTW
- Discussion on Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grant
- Discussion on Fire Department Financial Assistance Application
- Discussion on HazMat Regional Emergency Response Grant
Planning & Zoning
The Ashland Historic Preservation Commission will meet on October 28, 2024 to discuss several preservation‑related topics. Items include a discussion on preservation planning, updates on properties recommended for local historic nominations, the Vaughn Public Library and 909 Chapple Property, and the Historic Chapple Avenue pavement and tree replacement project. The agenda also contains routine items such as call to order, consent agenda, and citizen participation.
- Discussion on Preservation Planning
- Update on Properties Recommended for Local Historic Nominations
- Update on Vaughn Public Library and 909 Chapple Property
- Historic Chapple Avenue Pavement/Tree Replacement Project discussion
- Discussion on Miscellaneous HPC Items
Planning & Zoning
The Sustainability Committee will first approve its agenda, minutes from the August 22, 2024 meeting, and set the citizen participation period. It will then present and discuss the Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification, potential grant opportunities, an update on the city’s solar assessment, and the committee’s background and function. No formal actions beyond discussion are listed.
- Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification – presentation, discussion, possible action
- Potential Grant Opportunities – presentation by Beth Gehred
- City Solar Assessment – update
- Background and Function of the Sustainability Committee – presentation by Beth Gehred
General
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will discuss the proposed 2025 General Fund and Capital Projects budgets. The committee will also consider resolutions for public hearings on the 2025 budgets and an exemption from the Ashland County Library Levy.
- Discussion of Proposed 2025 General Fund Budget
- Discussion of Proposed 2025 Capital Projects Budget
- Discussion to Approve 2025 Budgets for Public Hearing
- Discussion of Resolution to Exempt City from Library Levy
Planning & Zoning
The Ashland Planning Commission will discuss and act on the architectural review of the Vaughn Public Library renovations. It will also review and consider approval of a condominium plat for the 208 3rd Ave W property submitted by Patrick McKuen. Additional discussion items include parking spaces for cars, boats, and campers in rear yards of residential properties, and the current ordinance banning corrugated metal siding on pole barns. Standard procedural items such as agenda approval and consent agenda will also be addressed.
- Architectural Review of the Vaughn Public Library Renovations – Discussion/Action
- Review and Approval of a Condominium Plat for 208 3rd Ave W (Applicant: Patrick McKuen)
- Discussion on parking spaces for automobiles, boats, campers in rear yards on residential properties
- Discussion on ordinance prohibiting corrugated metal siding on pole barn construction
General
The Parks and Recreation Committee will hold a public comment period and review updates on parks, recreation, urban forestry, community garden, and the Ashland Farmers Market. A student researcher will present on E. coli, rain, and birds. The board will discuss possible actions on a state grant to create interpretive signage along city parks and trails, proposed changes to the comprehensive fee schedule (Chapter 163), and updates to Ordinance 463 governing park facilities. Minutes from the August 12, 2024 meeting will be approved.
- Presentation by Tennessee Swearington on E. coli, rain and birds
- Discussion and possible action on applying for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grant for interpretive signage
- Discussion and possible action on proposed changes to Parks and Rec Comprehensive Fee Schedule Chapter 163
- Discussion and possible action on updates to Ordinance 463: Policies and Procedures for Parks, Facilities and Recreation Areas
City Council
The Ashland City Council will consider a resolution to sell approximately $4,340,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes to fund library projects. The consent agenda includes a lease for a temporary Vaughn Library location at 618 Beaser Avenue. Old business items include accepting several Wisconsin DNR grants for parks, fire protection, and urban forestry. A closed‑session item may address an animal control contract.
- Approve commercial lease at 618 Beaser Avenue for temporary Vaughn Library location
- Accept Wisconsin DNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant for Kreher Park launch development
- Accept Wisconsin DNR Forest Fire Protection Grant for the Fire Department
- Approve Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant for Emerald Ash Borer readiness plan
- Consider resolution to sell approximately $4,340,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes to fund library projects
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will consider three items for discussion and possible action: a policy on special and standard assessments, the snow clearing of sidewalks, and a review of the ordinance governing rooming and boarding houses. Each item is presented by a named council member. No decisions are recorded in this agenda.
- Policy for Special / Standard Assessments (presented by Tochterman)
- Snow Clearing of Sidewalks (presented by Ortman)
- Review of Ordinance Regarding Rooming / Boarding Houses (presented by Seefeldt)
Finance
The Committee of the Whole will meet to review presentations and discuss the development of the 2025 budgets.
- Presentation and discussion regarding 2025 Budgets and Budget Development
Airport
The Ashland City/County JFK Memorial Airport Commission will meet to discuss the Airport Lot Master Lease with County Administrator Dan Grady, review the 2025 Airport Budget, and examine the Updated Airport Capital Improvement Plan. Procedural items such as roll call, approval of minutes, and setting the next meeting date will also be addressed.
- Discussion of Airport Lot Master Lease with County Administrator Dan Grady
- Review of the 2025 Airport Budget
- Review of the Updated Airport Capital Improvement Plan
General
The Ashland Oredock Charitable Trust Board will discuss and act on reimbursing the City of Ashland for the Diamond Access Project. The meeting also includes updates on the broader Oredock redevelopment, covering the Diamond Access, Stuntz Avenue Connector, and Waterfront Trail projects. Additional agenda items are public comments, financial updates, and routine approvals.
- Reimbursement to the City of Ashland for the Ashland Oredock Diamond Access Project
- Update on the Ashland Oredock Diamond Access redevelopment component
- Update on the Stuntz Ave Connector component of the Oredock project
- Update on the Waterfront Trail component of the Oredock project
- Public comment period
City Council
The Ashland City Council will consider and act on a range of items, including several old‑business approvals and new‑business proposals. Key actions include authorizing the issuance of up to $9,166,606 in water system revenue bonds and a matching state loan, and reviewing lease and professional‑services agreements. The council will also address election logistics and create new task forces.
- Approve resolution to allow participation in the Wisconsin Local Government Investment Pool (Finance)
- Approve lease agreement for City‑owned Parcel No. 201-05120-0210 for communications facilities (Towers of Wisconsin BTS, LLC)
- Approve professional services agreement with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. for 2025/2026 sanitary sewer lift station improvements
- Approve issuance and sale of up to $9,166,606 water system revenue bonds, Series 2024B, and related $9,166,606 state loan
- Consider resolution to combine wards and establish the polling place for the November 5, 2024 general election
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will discuss and possibly act on several items, including a presentation by the Community Event Director, a commercial lease for a temporary Vaughn Library location at 618 Beaser Avenue during renovations, and an application for urban forestry grant funding and a state plan for Emerald Ash Borer tree removal and replanting. The meeting will also include an update on the proposed splashpad project and a discussion on animal control matters. A closed‑session segment will address employee compensation issues for the police department.
- Discussion and possible action on a commercial lease at 618 Beaser Avenue for a temporary Vaughn Library location
- Discussion and possible action on submitting an application to Urban Forestry Grant Programs and the Wisconsin DNR for the Emerald Ash Borer readiness plan
- Update regarding the proposed splashpad project
- Discussion and possible action regarding animal control for the City of Ashland
- Presentation by Community Event Director Jennifer Fanucci
Finance
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will meet to hear a presentation and discuss the development of the 2025 budget. The body will also confirm dates and times for future budget work session meetings. Standard items such as roll call, agenda approval, and adjournment are also on the agenda.
- Presentation and discussion regarding the 2025 budget development
- Confirmation of date and time for future budget work session meetings
- Roll call
- Approval of agenda
- Adjournment
City Council
The Ashland City Council will consider several resolutions, including a budget amendment for the 2023 General Fund and related funds. It will also decide on accepting a grant to purchase a new ambulance for the fire department, an agreement with the Wisconsin DNR for invasive‑species removal in city parks, and a vacating order for the State Highway 13 pavement replacement project. A memorandum of understanding with the Ashland School District will be reviewed as new business.
- Resolution to amend the 2023 General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Funds, Capital Project Funds, and Internal Service Funds budgets
- Accept the Assistance to Firefighters Grant for purchase of a new ambulance (Fire Department)
- Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for invasive species removal and native herbaceous restoration on city-owned land (Parks)
- Resolution to vacate Order Transportation Project Plat 1610‑00‑27‑4.21 for State Highway 13 pavement replacement (Public Works)
- Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ashland and the School District of Ashland (Parks)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss several public works projects and financial agreements. The body is considering actions on infrastructure repairs and a land lease for communications facilities.
- Lease of Parcel No. 201-05120-0210 to Towers of Wisconsin BTS, LLC for communications facilities
- WI DOT State Municipal Agreements for 11th Avenue East and 11th Street West resurfacing
- Participation in the State of Wisconsin Local Government Investment Pool
- Capital Projects 460 Public Works Equipment and USDA Grant Application
- 2025/2026 upgrades to sanitary sewer lift stations
General
The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss and take action on two specific property applications. The body will review a Certificate of Appropriateness for library renovations and proposed work at a residential address.
- Certificate of Appropriateness Application for Vaughn Public Library Renovations
- Proposed work for 909 Chapple Avenue
Airport
The Ashland City/County JFK Memorial Airport Commission will discuss updates on the Runway 02/20 rehabilitation project, review a lot description survey, consider future airport improvement projects, hear the Airport Manager’s report, and approve bills. The meeting also includes routine items such as roll call, approval of July 18, 2024 minutes, a citizen participation period, setting the next meeting date, and adjournment.
- Lot Description Survey Exhibit
- Runway 02/20 Runway Rehabilitation Project Update
- Future Airport Improvement Projects
- Airport Manager’s Report
- Approval of Bills
Planning & Zoning
The Sustainability Committee will receive a research presentation on the electrification of heating and cooling. The body will also discuss and take action regarding the Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification.
- Research presentation on Electrification of Heating and Cooling by Dr. Ana Dyreson
- Discussion and action on Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification
City Council
The Ashland City Council will review two grant agreements—one for a renewable resources planning study and another to fund an update to the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. It will also consider an application for a Class A fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Taste of Wisconsin LLC at 601 Lake Shore Drive East. The meeting includes routine approvals of the agenda, minutes, and a citizen participation period.
- Approve grant from the Public Service Commission’s Office of Energy Innovation and a professional services agreement with Jolma Electric LLC and muGrid Analytics LLC for a solar and microgrid feasibility study
- Approve grant agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Coastal Management Program to fund an update to the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
- Consider an Alcohol Beverage License Application for a Class A Fermented Malt Beverage and Intoxicating Liquor for Taste of Wisconsin LLC, 601 Lake Shore Drive East
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will discuss a resolution to amend the 2023 General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Funds, Capital Project Funds, and Internal Service Funds budgets. The meeting will also include a presentation on Phase I of the Vaughn Library renovation and an update on vehicular noise issues. These items are for discussion and possible action during the meeting.
- Resolution to amend 2023 General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Funds, Capital Project Funds, and Internal Service Funds budgets
- Presentation and update on Vaughn Library Renovation Phase I
- Mayor's update regarding vehicular noise
Marina
The Ashland Harbor Commission meeting on August 13 will review its latest financial statement and discuss proposals for a new fuel system. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, agenda approval, and a citizen participation period. No other actions are scheduled.
- Review of the Harbor Commission’s financial statement
- Consideration of fuel system bid proposals
- Citizen participation period
General
The committee will discuss the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget (CIP) list and priorities. Members will also consider updates to the Parks Master Plan and Ordinance 463 regarding parks and recreation policies.
- Discussion on 2025 Capital Improvement Budget (CIP) list/priorities
- Possible action to update Ordinance 463: Policies and Procedures for Parks, Facilities and Recreation Areas
- Discussion on Parks Master Plan Update
- Possible action on planting fruit baring trees in public spaces
City Council
The Ashland City Council will vote on a services agreement with Fish Creek Restoration LLC for the Bay City Creek Riparian Corridor Restoration Project. It will also consider accepting a grant from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for waterfront trail repairs as part of the Ashland Rails to Trails System. Additionally, the council will review an ordinance to amend the Unified Development Ordinance and update the zoning district map.
- Approve services agreement with Fish Creek Restoration LLC for Bay City Creek Riparian Corridor Restoration (Parks)
- Consider grant agreement with Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for Ashland Rails to Trails System: Waterfront Trail Repair (Parks)
- Consider ordinance to amend Chapter 781 Unified Development Ordinance and update zoning district map (Planning)
Committee of the Whole
The Ashland Committee of the Whole will discuss possible actions on the city's ATV/UTV routes and enforcement of related ordinances. It will also consider the 2024 Downtown Parking Study presented by Public Works. No decisions are listed; items are for discussion.
- Discussion and possible action on the city's ATV/UTV routes and enforcement of local ordinances (Councilor Goyke)
- Discussion and possible action on the 2024 Downtown Parking Study (Public Works)
Planning & Zoning
The Sustainability Committee will meet to hear a presentation on the electrification of heating and cooling from Dr. Ana Dyreson of Michigan Tech University. The committee will also discuss and potentially take action regarding the Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification.
- Presentation on electrification of heating and cooling by Dr. Ana Dyreson
- Discussion and potential action on Great Lakes Friendly Restaurant Certification
Planning & Zoning
The Ashland County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a public hearing and vote on text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. The commission will also discuss updates on parking spaces for automobiles, boats, and campers in rear yards of residential properties. Routine items such as agenda approval, consent agenda minutes, and public comments will also be addressed.
- Public hearing and vote on Unified Development Ordinance text amendments (Planning and Development Department applicant)
- Discussion of parking spaces for automobiles, boats, and campers in rear yards on residential properties
- Approval of minutes from May 21st and July 2nd, 2024 Planning Commission meetings (consent agenda)
- Call to order, roll call, agenda approval, and identification of potential conflicts of interest
General
The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss preservation planning and updates on properties recommended for local historic nominations. The body will also review a potential National/State Register nomination for Our Lady of the Lake Church and School.
- Preservation planning discussion
- Local historic nomination recommendations update
- National/State Register nomination for Our Lady of the Lake Church and School
Marina
The Harbor Commission will review financial statements and discuss updates regarding fuel systems, WiFi, and security cameras. The meeting also includes consideration of a donation from the 'Friends of the Apostle Islands' group, Wave Watch.
- Review of April 10, 2024, minutes
- Fuel system update
- WiFi and security camera updates
- Wave Watch - "Friends of the Apostle Islands" donation