Chippewa County public meetings in 2024

Health & Human Services Board

The Chippewa County Health & Human Services Board approved placing a public health vending machine in the Chippewa County Jail lobby to provide 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies like Naloxone and fentanyl test strips. The board also approved updates to the wheelchair loan closet policy and the 2025 Public Health financial user fees, which include a new in-home administration fee and an increased transient water test fee. All decisions were approved unanimously, with one member recused from the fee vote.

• Approved placing Public Health vending machine in Chippewa County Jail (unanimous)
• Approved APH-Wheelchair Loan Closet policy update (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Public Health financial user fees (6-0, Ericksen recused)
• Approved consent agenda including Nov 21 HHSB minutes and ADRC minutes (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee reviewed a resolution to pledge Chippewa County's funding share for the Highway T corridor expansion and unanimously referred it to the Executive Committee for further consideration. The committee also reviewed reports on highway funds, ARPA project updates, and a presentation on sustainable highway funding, which discussed a potential vehicle registration fee. No final decisions were made on funding or the vehicle registration fee.

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (agenda, minutes, next meeting date)
• Resolution to pledge funding for Highway T corridor expansion referred to Executive Committee (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The committee approved a conditional use permit allowing Solhawk Dairy, Inc. to expand its livestock operation in the Town of Wheaton from 4,559 to 5,196 animal units. The vote was 4-1, with David Kelly voting against. The committee also approved three rezone petitions and one other conditional use permit, all unanimously.

• Approved Solhawk Dairy CUP expansion to 5,196 animal units (4-1)
• Approved Ryherd rezone petition, Town of Eagle Point (unanimous)
• Approved Inn on Lake Wissota LLC & Passint rezone petition, Town of Anson (unanimous)
• Approved Burton rezone petition, Town of Anson (unanimous)
• Approved Gougar in-home daycare CUP, Town of Lafayette (unanimous)
• Discussed Wissota Meadows First Addition preliminary plat; final plat to come
• Approved moving PZC meeting start time from 4:30pm to 5:00pm (unanimous)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee approved the 2025 Powder Keg Race permit, granting exclusive use of the Hickory Edge Trailhead and certain forest trail segments for a ski, snowshoe, and mountain bike race. The committee also approved a reroute of the Ice Age Trail along the Deer Lake segment, the 2025 annual work plan for the Forest & Trails Division (forwarded to the County Board), a SWRM grant extension, and the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan ranking. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 2025 Powder Keg Race permit (unanimous)
• Approved Ice Age Trail reroute near Deer Lake (unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Forest & Trails work plan to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved SWRM 2024-2025 grant extension (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2030 CIP project ranking (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee voted 4-1 to forward a resolution to the County Board that would add up to $2,628,217 to an existing state grant for Hope Village to convert a motel into 27 affordable housing units. The committee also unanimously approved a $1,950.70 insurance claim payment for damage caused by a county vehicle. Discussions were held on the County Administrator's 2024 performance goals and the recruitment process for a new administrator, including setting a salary range of $155,000-$170,000.

• Forwarded $2,628,217 affordable housing grant amendment to County Board (4-1)
• Approved $1,950.70 claim payment to Motorist Commercial Mutual Insurance Company (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (5-0)
• Discussed County Administrator's 2024 performance goals
• Discussed County Administrator recruitment process and salary range

Land Information Council

The Chippewa County Land Information Council unanimously approved revisions to the 2025-2027 Land Records Modernization Plan, incorporating state comments. The council also approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the December 4, 2024 meeting. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Approved revised 2025-2027 Land Records Modernization Plan (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved December 4, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Chippewa County LEPC approved the Countywide Hazardous Materials Strategic Plan, the 2025-2027 Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP), and accepted 2024 spill reports. The committee also discussed EMS stakeholder meetings, local emergency operations plans, and grant closeouts. No public comments were heard.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes of October 28, 2024 (motion by Bowe, second by Flynn)
• Accepted 2024 hazardous materials spill reports (motion by Eckardt, second by Flynn)
• Approved Countywide Hazardous Materials Strategic Plan (motion by Clark, second by Bowe)
• Approved 2025-2027 Integrated Preparedness Plan (motion by Eckardt, second by Schroeder)

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution authorizing the sale of the former Public Firearms Range property, which was permanently closed in 2022 after safety concerns and a settlement. The board also approved resolutions supporting three broadband grant applications, additional courthouse security measures, and a resolution to begin negotiations on a successor collective bargaining agreement with the WPPA union. All items were approved unanimously, with Supervisor Roshell absent.

• Approved sale of former firearms range property (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Ntera, LLC's BEAD grant application (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Mosaic Technologies' BEAD grant application (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Charter Communication's BEAD grant application (unanimous)
• Approved further courthouse security measures (unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2027 ADRC Plan (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to support creation of inpatient psychiatric facility (unanimous)
• Approved as amended resolution to negotiate WPPA successor agreement (unanimous)

Agriculture & Extension Committee

The Agriculture & Extension Committee unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda, the October 3, 2024 minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for February 6, 2025. The committee received reports from the Area Extension Director and various educators, covering topics like the signed partnership agreement, the new Regional Livestock Educator, and ongoing programs. No substantive business items were discussed or voted on.

• Approved consent agenda including agenda, Oct 3 minutes, and Feb 6 meeting date (unanimous)
• Heard Area Extension Director report on signed partnership agreement and new livestock educator
• Received educator reports on crops, community development, health, horticulture, and youth programs

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee approved hiring Public Administration Associates, LLC to manage the recruitment of a new County Administrator, authorizing the HR Director to sign the contract. The committee also voted to skip the full annual performance evaluation for current Administrator Scholz, who is retiring in March, opting instead to review his 2024 goals to see which should carry over to the next administrator.

• Approved hiring Public Administration Associates, LLC for County Administrator recruitment (4-0)
• Authorized HR Director to sign contract with PAA (4-0)
• Voted to skip full 2024 performance evaluation for Scholz (4-0)
• Agreed to review Scholz's 2024 goals to determine carry-over items
• Approved consent agenda including next meeting date of Dec 17, 2024 (Unanimous)

Land Information Council

The Chippewa County Land Information Council unanimously approved the Land Records Modernization Plan for 2025-2027. The plan outlines 17 projects, including incorporating PLSS data into the parcel layer, acquiring new orthophoto and oblique imagery, and creating a shoreland zoning layer. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda and the minutes from the December 20, 2023 meeting.

• Approved Land Records Modernization Plan 2025-2027 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including agenda and Dec 20, 2023 minutes (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Chippewa County Executive Committee held regular meetings on November 19 and December 3, 2024, reviewing financial reports and advancing several key items to the County Board. The committee voted unanimously to forward resolutions supporting broadband grant applications, updating courthouse security measures, and authorizing the sale of the former firearms range property. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates regarding county EMS services and police union negotiations.

• Forwarded resolution supporting Ntera LLC's BEAD grant application to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded resolution supporting Mosaic Technologies' BEAD grant application to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded resolution supporting Charter Communication's BEAD grant application to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded resolution supporting Ad Hoc Broadband Committee work to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded resolution approving further courthouse security measures and Hybrid Option #4 to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded resolution authorizing the sale of the public firearms range property to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded HR policy manual revisions and new policies, including an AI policy, to County Board (4-0)
• Forwarded resolution to commence WPPA union contract negotiations to County Board (4-0)

Health & Human Services Board

The Board unanimously approved forwarding three resolutions to the County Board, including support for a new inpatient psychiatric facility in northern Wisconsin and a request for full state funding of crisis and community support programs. Additionally, the Board approved the 2025-2027 Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) plan. The meeting also featured reports on public health initiatives and human services caseloads.

• Forwarded Res. 53-24 to County Board (7-0)
• Forwarded Res. 54-24 to County Board (7-0)
• Forwarded Res. 52-24 to County Board (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Oct. 17 minutes (6-0)

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the October minutes and scheduling the next meeting for December 19, 2024. The committee reached consensus to sell a 2.5-acre county-owned parcel in the Town of Birch Creek at public auction, with a resolution to be brought to a future meeting. They also agreed to a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning approach where only year 1 will list specific paving projects, with years 2-5 showing only anticipated funding amounts. No formal votes were taken on these items; they were discussed and agreed upon.

• Approved consent agenda including October minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Agreed to sell 2.5-acre Birch Creek parcel at public auction (consensus, resolution pending)
• Agreed to new CIP planning approach with only year 1 specific projects (consensus)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Chippewa County Planning & Zoning Committee approved a conditional use permit for a non-metallic mine in the Town of Wheaton and approved a rezone petition in the Town of Lafayette. The committee also tabled two items: a rezone petition in the Town of Eagle Point and a conditional use request for a livestock operation expansion in the Town of Wheaton, both postponed to December 19, 2024. Additionally, the consent agenda and meeting adjournment were approved unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda including October 24, 2024 minutes and scheduling next meeting (5-0)
• Tabled Ryherd rezone petition in Town of Eagle Point to December 19, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved Mabel Steward Trust and Terry Steward rezone petition in Town of Lafayette (5-0)
• Approved Haas Sons conditional use permit for a non-metallic mine with conditions in Town of Wheaton (5-0)
• Tabled Solhawk Dairy conditional use request to December 19, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (5-0)

Facilities & Parks Committee

The Facilities & Parks Committee voted unanimously to forward a resolution to the County Board authorizing the sale of the former Public Firearms Range property, which was permanently closed in 2022 after lead remediation. The committee also unanimously approved accepting a donation from the Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance (CVORA) for projects at Round Lake and Otter Lake parks. Both actions were forwarded or approved with a 4-0 vote, with one member absent.

• Forwarded Resolution 51-24 authorizing sale of the Public Firearms Range property to the County Board (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of CVORA donation for Round Lake and Otter Lake park projects (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and next meeting date of January 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee approved all Fall 2024 timber sale contracts to the highest bidder, as presented, and approved eleven timber sale contract extensions. Both votes were unanimous by voice vote. The committee also received updates on water refill stations, a statewide technical tour, a cancelled county forest land purchase, and large dam emergency plans; no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved all Fall 2024 timber sale contracts to the highest bidder, as presented (unanimous)
• Approved eleven (11) timber sale contract extensions, as presented (unanimous)
• Approved the consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes, and next meeting date of 12/18/24 (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 11:44 a.m. (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee approved a Purchase Agreement and Development Agreement with Water's Edge Cheese Curds Holdings, LLC for land in the Lake Wissota Business Park. The committee also received a report stating the Chippewa Valley Innovative Center Board has decided to dissolve the corporation and sell its property.

• Approved Purchase Agreement and Development Agreement with Water's Edge Cheese Curds Holdings, LLC (unanimous)
• Authorized Corporation Counsel, County Administrator, and County Clerk to execute transaction documents (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda and next meeting date of February 5, 2025 (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee unanimously forwarded several items to the County Board for final approval at its December 10, 2024 meeting. These include revisions to the Human Resources Policy Manual, six new HR policies (including a new Artificial Intelligence policy), and a resolution authorizing the county to begin negotiations with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) union for a successor collective bargaining agreement. The committee also held a closed session to discuss WPPA negotiations and scheduled a special meeting for December 4, 2024, to select a consultant for the County Administrator recruitment.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, Oct 15 minutes, meeting schedule) unanimously
• Forwarded HR Policy Manual revisions to County Board unanimously
• Forwarded six new HR policies, including AI policy, to County Board unanimously
• Forwarded resolution to commence WPPA successor CBA negotiations to County Board unanimously
• Approved closed session for WPPA negotiations unanimously
• Approved return to open session unanimously
• Scheduled special Dec 4 meeting for County Administrator recruitment consultant selection

Economic Development Committee

The committee unanimously approved convening in closed session to discuss purchase and development agreements for Project Edge regarding land in the Lake Wissota Business Park. It then unanimously approved reconvening to open session. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved closed session for Project Edge land agreements (5-0)
• Approved reconvening to open session (5-0)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The committee approved the 2025 DMA/OEC PSAP Grant Program award, covering $491,000 of the $500,000 Backup 911 Center project, with the remaining $49,000 funded from the county's CIP allocation. They also unanimously approved the Child Support Agency's mission statement, which had been in use for over 10 years but never formally adopted. The next meeting was rescheduled from January 20 to January 27, 2025, due to Martin Luther King Day.

• Approved 2025 DMA/OEC PSAP Grant Program award for $491,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Child Support Agency mission statement (unanimous)
• Rescheduled next meeting to January 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda as amended (unanimous)

County Traffic Safety Commission

The Chippewa County Traffic Safety Commission voted 9-1 to direct the Highway Department to conduct a speed study on CTH P between 40th Avenue and Colome Street, with the study to be conducted in the spring. The commission also received updates on state and county highway projects, crash statistics, and the Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. Discussion on the CTH SS intersections in the Village of New Auburn was postponed until village representatives can attend a future meeting.

• Approved directing Highway Department to proceed with speed study on CTH P (9-1)
• Postponed discussion on CTH SS intersections in New Auburn until village attends
• Approved agenda, minutes from August 8, 2024, and next meeting date of February 13, 2025 (unanimous)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The Chippewa County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Board approved the 2025-2027 Aging Plan, which outlines goals for nutrition, supportive services, and caregiver support. The Board also approved the 2025 85.21 Specialized Transportation Grant application and the 2025 Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP) budget. These items will now proceed to the Health and Human Services Board and the County Board of Supervisors for final approval.

• Approved 2025 85.21 Specialized Transportation Grant application (7-0)
• Approved 2025 Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program budget (7-0)
• Approved 2025-2027 ADRC Aging Plan resolution (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including September 12, 2024, minutes (7-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for January 9, 2024 (7-0)

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board approved the 2024 tax levy of $21,713,416 to be collected in 2025, and held a first reading of an ordinance amending budget and sales tax procedures. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included the Adams rezone request, and received updates on the firearms range closure and regional planning commission report.

• Approved 2024 tax levy of $21,713,416 for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Adams rezone (AZO 13-24) (unanimous)
• Held first reading of ordinance amending budget and sales tax sections (next: 12/10/2024)

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2025 county budget, which sets a tax rate of $2.28 per $1,000 of equalized value, a 5.01% decrease from 2024, while increasing the total property tax levy by 2.85% to $21,713,416. The board also approved resolutions for county aid for bridges and culverts and for highway projects and maintenance in 2025. The public hearing on the budget drew no public comment.

• Approved 2025 county budget with $21,713,416 tax levy (unanimous)
• Approved $179,179 in county aid for bridges and culverts (unanimous)
• Approved $4,578,952 tax levy for highway projects and maintenance (unanimous)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Chippewa County LEPC approved the consent agenda, including the agenda, August minutes, and upcoming meeting dates. The committee tabled discussions on the Emergency Management Field Team and the Haz Mat Strategic Plan until the December meeting. Reports covered election preparedness, haz mat training, and radio communication issues.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, August 26 minutes, Dec 16 meeting date)
• Tabled Emergency Management Field Team discussion until December
• Tabled Haz Mat Strategic Plan until December
• Adjourned meeting

Planning & Zoning Committee

The committee approved a conditional use permit for a 2.5 MW solar project on about 13.6 acres in the Town of Wheaton, with conditions including completion by December 31, 2025. The committee also approved a rezone petition for a property in the Town of Eagle Point from agricultural to residential. Both decisions were made after public hearings.

• Approved conditional use permit for OneEnergy Renewables solar project (3-1)
• Approved Adams rezone petition from agricultural to residential (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with item order change (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from September 19, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for November 21, 2024

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The committee unanimously approved a $50,000 Chippewa County Stewardship Fund matching grant to the Ice Age Trail Alliance for the purchase of ~74 acres in the Town of Colburn. The committee also received reports on wildlife damage and the proposed fall 2024 timber sales, with bids to be opened in November. The consent agenda, including the August 21, 2024 minutes, was approved.

• Approved $50,000 Stewardship Fund match grant to Ice Age Trail Alliance (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Received wildlife damage report and timber sale overview (no action)

Health & Human Services Board

The Health & Human Services Board approved the consent agenda (8-0), which included the agenda, minutes from the September 19 meeting, and scheduling the next meeting for November 21. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting consisted of informational reports from Public Health and Human Services directors, including updates on the Drug Free Communities grant renewal, Comprehensive Community Services enrollment, and various program and financial updates.

• Approved consent agenda (8-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for November 21, 2024

Executive Committee

The Chippewa County Executive Committee unanimously approved a resolution to disallow a $1,569.97 property damage claim filed by Sam TePaske, following the recommendation of the county's liability insurance carrier, WMMIC. The committee also unanimously forwarded an ordinance to the County Board that updates sections on the annual budget and sales and use tax to align with current policies. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates on the completed Public Firearms Range closure project and a recommendation to sell the property, with a resolution planned for future meetings.

• Approved resolution to disallow Sam TePaske's $1,569.97 claim (unanimous)
• Forwarded ordinance amending budget and sales tax sections to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Reviewed update on Public Firearms Range closure and property sale recommendation

Highway Committee

The Chippewa County Highway Committee met on October 10, 2024 and unanimously forwarded two 2025 funding resolutions to the County Board, which next meets November 7, 2024. Resolution 43-24 would approve $179,179 in county aid for town bridges and culverts, and Resolution 44-24 would approve 2025 highway construction and maintenance funding totaling a $4,578,952 tax levy, $1,750,000 in bonding, and $2,100,000 in sales tax. The committee also approved its consent agenda and received reports on highway finances, ARPA projects, USH 53 construction, and the 2024 operations report. No final decisions on the funding were made at this meeting; the resolutions now go to the full County Board.

• Forwarded Resolution 43-24, $179,179 county aid for 2025 town bridges and culverts, to County Board (4-0, Gehring absent)
• Forwarded Resolution 44-24, 2025 county aid construction and maintenance funding, to County Board (4-0, Gehring absent)
• Approved consent agenda: agenda, Aug 28, 2024 minutes, next meeting Nov 21, 2024 (4-0, Gehring absent)
• Adjourned (4-0, Gehring absent)

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board approved a one-time appreciation bonus totaling $20,825 for Emergency Communication Center employees and others who covered shifts during a critical staffing shortage. The board also approved converting one vacant full-time telecommunicator position into two part-time positions, and denied a $27,753.37 claim from Attorney Richard Hodsdon for legal services rendered for Sheriff Travis Hakes. All five rezoning requests on the consent agenda were approved unanimously.

• Approved $20,825 one-time appreciation bonus for ECC staff (unanimous)
• Approved converting 1 full-time telecommunicator position to 2 part-time (unanimous)
• Denied Richard Hodsdon's $27,753.37 claim (14-6)
• Approved TBAMR Properties rezone to Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved Kinderman rezone to Residential 1 (unanimous)
• Approved Balsiger (Lillie) rezone to Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved Bowe Holding Company rezone to Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved Wolverine Properties rezone to Residential 1 & R2 Twin Home (unanimous)

Agriculture & Extension Committee

The Chippewa County Agriculture & Extension Committee met on October 3, 2024, with three supervisors present (Chair and Vice-Chair absent). They unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the agenda, the August 1, 2024 minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for December 5, 2024. No business items were discussed; the meeting consisted of reports from the Area Extension Director and educators on programs and activities.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting date) (3-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for December 5, 2024, 7:45 am

Facilities & Parks Committee

The Facilities & Parks Committee unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the agenda, minutes from July 24, 2024, and scheduling the next meeting for November 20, 2024. Reports were given on capital improvement projects, the firearms range closure and recommendation to sell the property, and two grant applications. No formal votes were taken on the reports; the committee only discussed them.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting date) unanimously
• Heard update on firearms range closure and recommendation to sell property
• Heard update on capital improvement projects
• Heard update on two grant applications (County Conservation Aids and Sport Fish Restoration)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee unanimously forwarded the County Administrator's proposed 2025 budget to the full County Board. The proposal includes a property tax rate of $2.28 per $1,000, a 5.01% decrease from 2024, and a property tax levy of $21,713,416, a 2.85% increase. The committee also unanimously forwarded resolutions to provide a one-time appreciation bonus to Emergency Communication Center employees, convert one full-time telecommunicator position to two part-time positions, and disallow a claim by Attorney Richard Hodsdon.

• Forwarded 2025 proposed budget to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution for one-time ECC appreciation bonus to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to convert 1 FT telecommunicator to 2 PT positions to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to disallow claim of Richard Hodsdon to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved Human Resources Mission, Vision, Values statement (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The Legal & Law Enforcement Committee unanimously approved a resolution to convert one vacant full-time telecommunicator position into two part-time positions to address staffing shortages in the Emergency Communication Center. The resolution will be forwarded to the Executive Committee for further consideration. The committee also heard reports on jail mental health services, staffing levels, and festival incidents, but took no other formal actions.

• Approved resolution to convert one full-time telecommunicator into two part-time positions (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:25 pm (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Health & Human Services Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the agenda, minutes from the August 15, 2024 meeting, and scheduling the next meeting for October 17, 2024. The board received informational reports from staff on a success story, Community Health Assessment results, and program and financial updates from Public Health and Human Services directors. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily for receiving reports and updates.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting date) unanimously
• Scheduled next meeting for October 17, 2024

Planning & Zoning Committee

The committee approved four rezoning requests and one conditional use permit for an equestrian business. A solar panel field request was postponed, and a county plat for the Town of Eagle Point was approved.

• Approved equestrian campground and business conditional use permit in Town of Anson (unanimous)
• Approved Kinderman rezone request in Town of Anson (unanimous)
• Approved Wolverine Properties rezone to R1 and R2-TH in Town of Lafayette (unanimous)
• Approved Balsiger rezone to Highway Commercial with demolition deadline of Dec 31, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Bowe Holding Company LLC rezone to Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved Ojibwa Lookout County Plat in Town of Eagle Point (unanimous)
• Postponed Jensen Lands LLC solar panel field request until October 24, 2024 (unanimous)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The ADRC Board unanimously approved expanding the Bloomer congregate meal site from two days (Monday and Thursday) to four days (Monday through Thursday) per week. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for November 14, 2024. Reports were presented on programs, finances, advocacy, and strategic plan updates, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved expanding Bloomer congregate meals to Monday-Thursday (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including agenda, July 11 minutes, and next meeting date (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee unanimously approved forwarding Resolution 38-24 to the County Board, which authorizes the sale of $3,500,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes to Robert W. Baird & Co. The notes, dated October 1, 2024, carry a true interest cost of 3.09%, which is 1.5% lower than originally planned and will save approximately $91,000. The proceeds will fund highway construction and improvement projects, with debt service funded entirely from sales tax proceeds, resulting in no estimated levy impact.

• Approved consent agenda including agenda and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Forwarded Resolution 38-24 awarding $3.5M GO promissory note sale to County Board (unanimous)
• Locked in interest rate at 3.09% for $3.5M in notes, saving ~$91,000 vs. June estimate

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board approved the sale of $3.5 million in general obligation promissory notes for highway construction and improvement, locking in a 3.09% interest rate. The board also approved an additional $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for the Hope Village affordable housing conversion project. Five ordinance amendments were approved to align legal notice posting requirements with the county's new policy of posting notices on the courthouse board and website instead of the newspaper.

• Approved sale of $3.5M general obligation promissory notes for road projects (unanimous)
• Approved $1.5M additional CDBG funding for Hope Village affordable housing project (18-1)
• Approved ordinance amendments to remove newspaper publication requirements for legal notices (unanimous)
• Approved County Administrator appointment of Melissa Miller and Max Schroeder to Local Emergency Planning Committee (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee unanimously forwarded two resolutions to the County Board: one authorizing the sale of $3.5 million in general obligation promissory notes for highway construction, and another adding $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for Hope Village to convert a building into affordable housing. The committee also reviewed the second-quarter finance update and received reports on employee engagement surveys. The HR mission, vision, and values statement was postponed because the HR director could not attend.

• Forwarded $3.5M general obligation promissory note sale to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded $1.5M CDBG funding request for Hope Village affordable housing conversion to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and next meeting dates (unanimous)
• Reviewed 2nd quarter finance update
• Reviewed HR employee engagement and stay survey update
• Postponed HR mission, vision, and values statement to a future meeting

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Chippewa County Planning & Zoning Committee approved a rezone for TBAMR Properties in the Town of Lafayette, recommended three ordinance amendments for County Board approval, approved two preliminary and final plats, and approved a contract for the comprehensive plan update. All votes were unanimous with one member excused.

• Approved rezone 2024-0008 for TBAMR Properties (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ord. 14-24 (floodplain amendments) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ord. 15-24 (shoreland amendments) (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ord. 16-24 (zoning amendments) (unanimous)
• Approved Wheaton Wildflowers preliminary and final plat (unanimous)
• Approved Frazer III plat contingent on state acceptance of Outlot 1 (unanimous)
• Approved comprehensive plan update contract with WCWRPC (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The Chippewa County Highway Committee unanimously approved moving its October 23, 2024 meeting to October 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM due to a scheduling conflict. The committee also approved the consent agenda, including the July 24, 2024 minutes and the next meeting date of September 25, 2024. Reports were given on WisDOT collaboration, highway finances, ARPA projects, and construction updates, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved October 10, 2024 meeting date (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including July 24, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for September 25, 2024 (unanimous)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Chippewa County LEPC approved the consent agenda, including the agenda, April 29, 2024 minutes, and upcoming meeting dates. The committee discussed having the county coordinate billing for the 'I Am Responding' app used by fire and EMS departments, with each department still billed its share. No other formal decisions were made; reports covered recent incidents, training opportunities, and a new sheriff's office app.

• Approved consent agenda including agenda, April 29, 2024 minutes, and meeting dates (motion by Flynn, second by Foldy, approved by members present)
• Discussed county coordination of 'I Am Responding' app billing, with each department billed its portion (no formal action)
• Noted upcoming training: G191 on September 18, 2024, and G2300 on October 9-11, 2024 (no formal action)
• Acknowledged new Chippewa County Sheriff's Office app with emergency management features (no formal action)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee approved a special event permit for the 2024 Deer Fly Chase Mountain Bike Race, granting Friends of Hickory Ridge Trails exclusive use of the Dog Island Warming House and certain county forest trail segments on September 28-29, 2024. The committee also unanimously forwarded an ordinance to the County Board that would change how legal notices for non-metallic mine reclamation permits are posted, moving from newspaper publication to courthouse and website posting. Additionally, the committee rescheduled its October meeting from October 16 to October 23, 2024, and approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting minutes and next meeting date.

• Approved Deer Fly Chase Mountain Bike Race Permit (unanimous)
• Forwarded ordinance to amend Section 30-104(a) to County Board (unanimous)
• Rescheduled October 16 meeting to October 23, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and next meeting date (unanimous)

Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC)

The Chippewa County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council approved its consent agenda (agenda, May 28 minutes, and next meeting date) unanimously. Members discussed updates on various programs including Recovery Court, diversion programs, and the TASAM campaign, but no substantive policy decisions were made beyond the consent agenda approval.

• Approved consent agenda including agenda, May 28, 2024 minutes, and next meeting date of November 19, 2024 (9-0)
• Discussed TASAM campaign update, including potential merger with CJCC or CHIP and strategic plan review
• Discussed program updates: Recovery Court, First Time Offender, Worthless Checks, Front-End Intervention, Pre-Trial, and Re-Entry programs
• Discussed Crime Stoppers update, including recent vehicle theft help and upcoming fundraiser
• Discussed committee member updates on short-term jail programs and Lethality Assessment Program

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The Legal & Law Enforcement Committee unanimously forwarded Ordinance 12-24 to the County Board, which would eliminate the Chippewa Herald as the county's official newspaper for legal notices and instead require posting on the county website and courthouse notice board. The ordinance specifically amends Section 42-6 of the county code regarding disposal of abandoned property, replacing newspaper publication with the new posting method. The committee also approved its agenda and set the next meeting for September 16, 2024.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Set next meeting date to 09/16/2024 4:00 PM (unanimous)
• Forwarded Ordinance 12-24 to County Board (unanimous) - eliminates Chippewa Herald as official newspaper for legal notices, requires posting on county website and courthouse notice board
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Health & Human Services Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the agenda, minutes from the July 18, 2024 meeting, and scheduling the next meeting for September 19, 2024. The board received informational reports from Human Services and Public Health directors, including updates on Adult Protective Services, the Children's Resource Center-West, and the Public Health Strategic Plan. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond the consent agenda approval.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting date) unanimously
• Heard public comment on Recovery and Wellness Consortium provider processes
• Received Human Services Director's program and financial report
• Received Public Health Director's program and financial report
• Received update on Public Health 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board approved a resolution establishing the 2025 health insurance plan, which raises deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and co-pays to keep the cost increase at 5.5%. The board also approved $225,000 in levy funding for potential 2025 salary adjustments and created three new positions in the Department of Human Services. Claims from two former service providers were formally disallowed.

• Approved 2025 health plan with higher deductibles ($3,000/$6,000) and co-pays (unanimous)
• Approved $225,000 levy for 2025 salary adjustments (unanimous)
• Created CLTS supervisor position in DHS (unanimous)
• Created CCS supervisor position in DHS (unanimous)
• Created clinician position in RWC for children's CCS (unanimous)
• Disallowed Rolling Hills Equine, Inc. claims (unanimous)
• Disallowed Carlson Consultants We Adapt claims (16-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved ordinance to end official newspaper designation (unanimous)

County Traffic Safety Commission

The Chippewa County Traffic Safety Commission discussed a request from New Auburn to convert the CTH M & SS intersection to a four-way stop. The group agreed to use a MioVision Scout camera to analyze traffic patterns and discuss the results at the next meeting. No formal votes were taken on this item. The commission also discussed speed concerns on CTH P in Lake Hallie and agreed to review statutory speed limits for residential areas.

• Consensus to use MioVision camera to analyze CTH M & SS intersection traffic patterns
• Agreed to review statutory speed limit for residential area on CTH P in Lake Hallie
• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting date) unanimously

Economic Development Committee

The committee reviewed the 2025 budgets for economic development, tourism, airport, and land development, and unanimously voted to forward them to the county administrator. The budgets include $187,000 for the CCEDC contract, $32,270 for tourism, and $132,890 for the airport, with the airport contract funded by sales tax. The committee also approved the consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for November 6, 2024.

• Forwarded 2025 economic development budgets to county administrator (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including agenda, minutes, and next meeting date (unanimous)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for November 6, 2024 at 3 PM

Executive Committee

The Chippewa County Executive Committee unanimously forwarded the 2025 budgets for the Veterans Service Office and Corporation Counsel Division to the County Administrator. The committee also unanimously forwarded several resolutions to the County Board, including establishing 2025 health insurance plan funding with increased deductibles and co-pays, approving $225,000 in levy funding for salary adjustments, creating three new Human Services positions, and disallowing claims from two former service providers. An ordinance to undesignate the Chippewa Herald as the official newspaper was also forwarded for first reading.

• Forwarded Veterans 2025 budget to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Forwarded Corporation Counsel 2025 budget to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution establishing 2025 health insurance plan funding with higher deductibles and co-pays to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution approving $225,000 levy for 2025 salary adjustments to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolutions creating two supervisor positions and one clinician position in Human Services to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolutions to disallow claims of Rolling Hills Equine, Inc. and Carlson Consultants We Adapt to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded ordinance to undesignate official newspaper to County Board (unanimous)

Agriculture & Extension Committee

The Agriculture & Extension Committee met on August 1, 2024, and approved the consent agenda (agenda, prior minutes, and next meeting date) unanimously. Extension educators presented overviews of their programs and roles, but no business items were brought forward. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, June 5, 2024 minutes, next meeting Oct 3, 2024) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Facilities & Parks Committee

The committee accepted a Memorandum of Understanding for a donated ADA-compliant fishing pier at Otter Lake. Members also voted to move the 2025 Facilities & Parks budgets forward to the County Administrator.

• Approved MOU for Otter Lake Booster Club fishing pier donation (unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Facilities & Parks budgets to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Moved September 25 meeting to October 2 (unanimous)
• Moved November 27 meeting to November 20 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 22 minutes (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The Chippewa County Highway Committee forwarded the proposed 2025 Highway Department budget to the County Administrator. The committee also approved meeting dates for November and December. Reports were given on finances, ARPA projects, and construction updates.

• Forwarded 2025 Highway Department budget to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved November 21 and December 19, 2024 meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including June 26, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Health & Human Services Board approved forwarding the 2025 Human Services budget ($39,658,011) and the 2025 Public Health budget ($3,153,381) to the County Administrator. The board also approved three resolutions creating new positions in the Department of Human Services, effective January 1, 2025, to address waitlists and supervision ratios. Additional 2024-2025 Public Health user fees were approved as presented.

• Approved Human Services 2025 budget ($39,658,011) to forward to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved Public Health 2025 budget ($3,153,381) to forward to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to create a CYFS-CWDA Supervisor position for CCS (8-0)
• Approved resolution to create a Clinician position in RWC for Children's CCS (8-0)
• Approved resolution to create a CYFS-CWDA Supervisor position for CLTS (8-0)
• Approved additional 2024-2025 Public Health user fees (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including agenda, June 20, 2024 minutes, and next meeting date (8-0)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee unanimously approved a conditional use permit expansion for Haas Sons Inc.'s Mallard Pit mine, a conditional use permit for Dan's Construction & Excavation, Inc.'s contractor storage yard, and two rezones in the Town of Lafayette. The committee also renewed conditional use permits for two other Haas Sons mines and forwarded the 2025 department budget to the County Administrator.

• Approved Haas Sons Inc. Mallard Pit CUP expansion (3-0)
• Approved Dan's Construction & Excavation, Inc. contractor storage yard CUP (3-0)
• Approved Lafayette Zoning Map Updates #1 rezone (3-0)
• Approved Lafayette Zoning Map Updates #2 rezone (3-0)
• Approved Haas Sons Halfman Pit CUP renewal (3-0)
• Approved Haas Inc. Gulich Pit CUP renewal (3-0)
• Forwarded 2025 Planning & Zoning budget to County Administrator (3-0)
• Forwarded Town of Bloomer zoning ordinance amendment to County Board (3-0)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The committee approved the 2025 fee schedules for various land conservation, stormwater, and recycling services. It also voted to forward the 2025 LCFM budget requests to the County Administrator and approved a 15-year land access permit for the Smit property.

• Approved 2025 LCFM fee schedules (Unanimous)
• Approved forwarding 2025 LCFM budget requests to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Approved 15-year land access permit for Smit property (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including June 19 minutes (Unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Health & Human Services Board held a special public hearing on July 16, 2024, where Human Services Director Tim Easker gave a high-level overview of the proposed 2025 budget. Members of the public spoke about gaps in services for the elderly as ARPA funding ends, the value of prevention and advocacy, and foster care and social worker turnover. No decisions, votes, or formal actions are recorded in these minutes.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee met July 16, 2024 and unanimously approved its consent agenda (agenda, prior minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for August 6, 2024). In business items, the committee voted unanimously to forward eight 2025 budget reviews to the County Administrator: County Administrator/County Board, Criminal Justice Services, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Treasurer. The committee also received a Register of Deeds annual report (discussed) and an HR compensation and benefits update (reviewed). No budget was adopted; the votes were to forward the reviews to the County Administrator.

• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, next meeting Aug 6, 2024) (5-0)
• Forwarded County Administrator and County Board 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded Criminal Justice Services 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded Finance Division 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded Human Resources 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded Information Technology 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded County Clerk 2025 budget review to County Administrator (5-0)
• Forwarded Register of Deeds and Treasurer 2025 budget reviews to County Administrator (5-0)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The committee unanimously approved forwarding the proposed 2025 budgets for the Probate, Child Support, District Attorney, Circuit Court, Coroner, and Sheriff departments to the County Administrator. Additionally, a request for Opioid Fund financing for inmate AODA classes was forwarded for further review.

• Forwarded 2025 Probate Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Child Support Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 District Attorney Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Circuit Court Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Coroner Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025 Sheriff Department Budget to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Forwarded $28,600 Opioid Fund request for inmate AODA classes to County Administrator (Unanimous)
• Approved May 20, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The board approved the 2025 budget to be forwarded to the County Administrator and approved updated fee and donation recommendations. The board also approved the meeting agenda and minutes from May 9, 2024.

• Approved 2025 budget to forward to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 fees and donations as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including May 9 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for September 12, 2024 (unanimous)

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board approved Resolution 29-24 authorizing $70,000 from the Land Development Fund toward a $140,000 financial feasibility study for a community hospital, following the closures of HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital and Prevea clinics. The Board also approved a Kroger opioid settlement agreement, amended tourist rooming house rules, and amended ATV route designations on county highways. All votes were unanimous except the closed-session motions and the forestry grant application, which passed 19-1.

• Approved Res. 29-24 authorizing $70,000 for community hospital feasibility study (unanimous)
• Approved Res. 30-24 authorizing Kroger opioid settlement agreement and Addendum Two to the MOU (unanimous)
• Approved Ord. 08-24 as amended revising tourist rooming house regulations (unanimous)
• Approved Ord. 10-24 as amended adding ATV routes on County Highways F, O, and S and adjusting CTH G closure to 300 feet from STH 29 centerline (unanimous)
• Approved closed session on real estate transaction for parcels in T30N, R6W and T31N, R6W (18-2; Seidlitz and Kelly nay)
• Approved permission for County Forester Matt Hansen to apply for federal and state grants (19-1; Ericksen nay)
• Approved permission for County Forester to speak with towns and NGOs about the project (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of June 11 and June 18 meetings (unanimous)

Veterans Service Commission

The commission re-elected its Chair and Vice Chair and established a regular meeting schedule. Members also received updates on the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls and the Veterans Relief Fund.

• Re-elected David Kelly as Chair (Unanimous)
• Re-elected Lee Hennick as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Approved regular meetings for the second Monday of every other month at 8:30 am (Unanimous)
• Approved the agenda and May 13, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)

Executive Committee

The committee unanimously forwarded two resolutions to the County Board: one to provide $70,000 for a community hospital feasibility study and another to enter a settlement agreement with The Kroger Co. regarding opioid litigation.

• Forwarded resolution to authorize $70,000 for a community hospital financial feasibility study (unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to enter into a settlement agreement with The Kroger Co. for opioid litigation (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including June 4 minutes and July 16 meeting date (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The committee approved an ordinance to expand ATV/UTV access to 343 miles of county highways, including new routes on CTH F, O, and S. The amendment also closes CTH G to ATV traffic within 600 feet of the STH 29 centerline for safety. A proposed route on CTH CC was kept closed due to safety concerns from the Towns of Birch Creek and Cleveland.

• Forwarded ordinance to expand ATV routes to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved closing CTH G to ATV/UTV traffic 600 feet from STH 29 centerline (unanimous)
• Decided to keep CTH CC segment closed to ATV traffic due to town safety concerns
• Approved consent agenda including May 22 minutes (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Board approved the 2023 Human Services Annual Report and updated financial user fees for 2025. Members discussed the impact of HSHS and Prevea closures and a new state mandate to eliminate waitlists for children's disability services by year-end.

• Approved Human Services 2023 Annual Report (Unanimous)
• Approved Human Services 2025 Financial User Fees (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including May 16 minutes (7-0)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a rezone request for Dunlap Properties LLC and a preliminary and final plat for 33rd East County. The committee also lowered the minimum bid for a specific tax-deeded parcel.

• Approved rezone for Dunlap Properties LLC in Town of Eagle Point (unanimous)
• Approved 33rd East County preliminary and final plat in Town of Wheaton (unanimous)
• Lowered minimum bid for parcel 23205-2841-08000000 from $20,000 to $10,000 (unanimous)
• Approved May 23, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee approved a motion to enter closed session to negotiate the purchase of public properties. The committee also reviewed updates on water refill stations and the Land & Water Resource Management Plan.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for real estate transactions in T30N, R6W and T31N, R6W (5-1)
• Approved consent agenda including May 15 minutes and July 17 meeting date (Unanimous)

County Board of Supervisors

The County Board convened two closed sessions to discuss legal strategy regarding vendor contract terminations and potential site locations for a future business park. No substantive actions were taken in open session.

• Approved closed session to discuss litigation regarding Recovery and Wellness Consortium vendor contracts (19-1)
• Approved closed session to discuss potential site locations for a future business park (19-1)

County Board of Supervisors

The County Board authorized the issuance and sale of up to $3.5M in general obligation promissory notes for highway projects. The board also approved multiple resolutions to allocate sales tax and fund balance for 2025 capital improvements across various departments. Additionally, a hybrid security plan for the courthouse was adopted.

• Approved issuance and sale of up to $3.5M in general obligation promissory notes for highway improvements (Unanimous)
• Approved $1.58M in sales tax funds for 2025 debt service liabilities (Unanimous)
• Approved $132,890 in sales tax funds for 2025 Chippewa Valley Regional Airport contribution (Unanimous)
• Approved $1.65M in sales tax and $1.11M in fund balance for 2025 Facilities and Parks projects (Unanimous)
• Approved $1.8M in sales tax, $1.75M in bonding, and $1.62M in fund balance for 2025 Highway Dept projects (Unanimous)
• Approved $100k in sales tax and $125k in fund balance for 2025 IT equipment replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved $100k fund balance for Stewardship Fund and $300k for County Forest acquisitions (Unanimous)
• Approved $560k in sales tax for 2025 Sheriff's Office equipment and backup 911 center (Unanimous)

Agriculture & Extension Committee

The committee approved the 2025 Extension Department budget for submission to the County Administrator. Members also established a new regular meeting schedule for the committee.

• Forwarded Extension Department 2025 Budget to the County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved moving committee meetings to the first Thursday of even months at 7:45 am (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and February 1, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The committee established a new quarterly meeting schedule and held two closed sessions to discuss the potential sale of land in the Lake Wissota Business Park and future business park locations. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved the consent agenda (unanimous)
• Set regular meetings for the first Wednesday of the month quarterly at 3 PM (unanimous)
• Approved closed session to discuss Project Edge land sale in Lake Wissota Business Park (unanimous)
• Approved closed session to discuss potential site locations for a future business park (unanimous)

Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC)

The Criminal Justice Collaborating Council unanimously re-elected Judge Steve Gibbs as Chair and Tim Easker as Vice-Chair. The council also approved the agenda, previous minutes, and future meeting dates for August and November 2024. Reports covered updates on meth prevention campaigns, recovery court programs, and a new domestic violence lethality assessment partnership.

• Approved agenda and February 27 minutes (13-0)
• Approved 2024 meeting dates for Aug 27 and Nov 19 (15-0)
• Re-elected Gibbs as Chair and Easker as Vice-Chair (15-0)
• Approved adjournment (17-0)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a rezone request in the Town of Eagle Point and forwarded an amended tourist rooming house ordinance to the County Board. The committee also established its regular meeting schedule and reviewed a department orientation.

• Approved Sedlacek rezone from Industrial to Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Forwarded Ord. 08-24 regarding Tourist Rooming Houses to County Board with notification language revisions (unanimous)
• Approved keeping regular meetings on the Thursday following the 3rd Monday of the month at 4:30pm (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including March 21, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Facilities & Parks Committee

The committee established a new regular meeting time and date. Members also received orientation on division operations and updates on various capital improvement projects.

• Approved meeting at 8am on the fourth Wednesday of odd months (unanimous)
• Approved the agenda and March 18, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee unanimously recommended Hybrid Option #4 for courthouse security, which involves hiring an additional officer and limiting entrance access rather than implementing a single point of entry. The committee also approved a request to use $5,000 in opioid settlement funds for criminal justice reentry services in FY25. Additionally, amendments to the Highway Department's hours of operation were forwarded to the County Board for final approval.

• Recommended Hybrid Option #4 for courthouse security (5-0)
• Approved $5,000 opioid fund request for reentry services (5-0)
• Forwarded ordinance amending Highway Department hours to County Board (5-0)
• Forwarded HR Policy Manual revision for Highway hours to County Board (5-0)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The committee approved a resolution to increase several Sheriff's Office civil process fees, which is now forwarded to the County Board. A proposal to use a $100,000 grant for digital radio upgrades was referred back to the committee. The committee also established a new recurring meeting schedule.

• Forwarded resolution to increase Sheriff's fees to County Board (Unanimous)
• Referred resolution to use $100,000 grant for digital radio upgrades back to committee (Unanimous)
• Set meeting date and time for the third Monday of alternating months at 4 PM (Unanimous)
• Approved March 18, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The Board approved funding requests for the 2025 opioid fund to support peer recovery coaching and the expansion of the Public Health Harm Reduction Program. The board also elected its Chair and Vice-Chair and set the regular meeting schedule.

• Approved Kari Ives as Board Chair (7-0)
• Approved Lee Hennick as Board Vice-Chair (7-0)
• Approved regular meeting date as third Thursday of each month at 7:45 a.m. (7-0)
• Approved $36,400 for Human Services Peer Support/Recovery Coaching Program (7-0)
• Approved $20,000 for Public Health Harm Reduction Program expansion (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including March 21, 2024 minutes (7-0)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The Chippewa County Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee elected Charles Bomar as Chair and Matthew Peterson as Vice-Chair. The committee unanimously approved contracts for seven spring timber sales totaling approximately 365 acres. They also voted 6-1 to enter a closed session to discuss a real estate transaction for a specific parcel.

• Elected Charles Bomar as Chair (voice vote)
• Elected Matthew Peterson as Vice-Chair (voice vote)
• Approved agenda and March 20 minutes (7-0)
• Set regular meeting time to 3rd Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (7-0)
• Approved seven spring timber sale contracts (7-0)
• Entered closed session for real estate transaction (6-1)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment traveled to the property of Dennis and Diane Kron in the Town of Lafayette for a site viewing. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

• Conducted site inspection of Kron property for Variance Request #2024-0005

County Board of Supervisors

The County Board approved the creation of a full-time Jailer II position to provide additional courthouse security. The board also passed resolutions requesting state standards for wakesurfing and supporting restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural land.

• Approved creation of full-time Jailer II position for courthouse security (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution requesting state standards for wakesurfing and wakeboarding (13-7)
• Approved resolution supporting Senate Bill 348 regarding foreign ownership of property (19-1)
• Confirmed appointment of Darren Kirby to the ADRC Board (Unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Heather Martell to the Housing Authority Commission (Unanimous)

Veterans Service Commission

The Commission elected Phillip Sarazen as Chair and Richard VanderMolen as Vice Chair. Members approved the consent agenda and received reports on the Veterans Relief Fund and the Wisconsin Veteran's Home @ Chippewa Falls.

• Elected Phillip Sarazen as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Richard VanderMolen as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (4-0)

County Traffic Safety Commission

The Commission approved a recommendation to reduce the speed limit on CTH OO from Hogarth Street to South Joles Parkway to 40 MPH. The decision follows a speed study citing high driveway density and pedestrian activity. The recommendation will be sent to the Chippewa County Highway Committee.

• Approved recommendation to reduce CTH OO speed limit to 40 MPH (Unanimous)
• Approved February 8, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved May 9, 2024 agenda (Unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 8, 2024 (Unanimous)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The board elected Patricia German as vice-chair and approved the 2024 ADRC program prioritization rankings. The board also updated its regular meeting start time to 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of odd months.

• Elected Patricia German as vice-chair (Unanimous)
• Approved 2024 ADRC program prioritization results (Unanimous)
• Set regular meeting start time to 3:30 p.m. (Unanimous)
• Approved agenda and March 14, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee voted unanimously to forward to the County Board a resolution creating a new full-time Jailer position in the Sheriff's Department Jail Division, allowing a Jailer II to be assigned full-time courthouse security duties. The committee also voted 5-0 to keep its regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. for the next two years. Reports on the 2023 pre-audited and 1st quarter 2024 financials, courthouse security options, the 2025 budget process, and the County Administrator's 2024 performance goals were reviewed with no action taken. The meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

• Forwarded to County Board: resolution creating a new full-time Jailer position for courthouse security officer duties (5-0)
• Approved keeping Executive Committee regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including agenda, prior minutes, and next meeting date of May 21, 2024 (5-0)
• Reviewed 2023 pre-audited and 1st quarter 2024 financial update (no action)
• Reviewed courthouse security options; no vote, to return in June (no action)
• Reviewed 2025 budget process; no action
• Reviewed County Administrator 2024 performance goals; no action
• Adjourned at 5:01 p.m. (5-0)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Local Emergency Planning Committee approved its annual bylaws, membership list, and HazMat response billing processes. The committee also accepted the Mayo-Chippewa Valley Hazard Vulnerability Assessment and appointed a Compliance Inspector.

• Approved consent agenda including Dec 18, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Mayo-Chippewa Valley Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
• Accepted Chippewa Falls Fire/Emergency Services HazMat Response Billing Structure
• Accepted Process for Reviewing HazMat Billing
• Accepted LEPC membership list with transportation vacancy
• Appointed John Andersen as Compliance Inspector (unanimous)
• Accepted LEPC Bylaws

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board held a special meeting on April 18, 2024, where it approved the agenda, confirmed County Board Chair appointments to standing and special committees, and confirmed County Administrator appointments to statutory commissions and boards. All votes were unanimous. The meeting also included orientation presentations on insurance, economic development, board roles, and open meetings/open records law. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved County Board Chair appointments to standing and special committees (unanimous)
• Approved County Administrator appointments to statutory commissions and boards (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Chippewa County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance request from Erik and McKinzi Simonsen to replace an existing retaining wall and add 22 feet of new sheet piling at 20125 77th Avenue. The approval came with four specific conditions, including reducing the height of part of the wall and adding visual screening. The board noted the property's unique limitations, including springs at the base of the hill, and determined the project protects public interest by limiting erosion.

• Approved variance request 2024-0004 for Simonsen retaining wall (5-0)
• Conditioned approval on reducing height of west 22 feet of sheet piling to 1-2 feet above ground
• Conditioned approval on visual screening of sheet piling wall via vegetation
• Conditioned approval on removing upper retaining wall and lowering lower wall
• Conditioned approval on submission of final sheet pile plans and permit application
• Approved consent agenda including next meeting date May 15, 2024 (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment traveled to the property of Erik and McKinzi Simonsen in the Town of Lafayette for a site inspection. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Conducted site inspection at 20125 77th Avenue for Administrative Appeal #2024-0004

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board held its reorganizational meeting to certify new supervisors and elect leadership. Chuck Hull was elected Chair and Dean Mueller was elected Vice-Chair. Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, and Peter Gehring were elected as the three at-large Executive Committee members after multiple rounds of voting.

• Chuck Hull elected County Board Chair (11 votes)
• Dean Mueller elected County Board Vice-Chair (11 votes)
• Jason Bergeron elected to Executive Committee (12 votes)
• Joel Seidlitz elected to Executive Committee (11 votes)
• Peter Gehring elected to Executive Committee (12 votes in 5th round)
• Agenda approved unanimously
• Consent agenda approved unanimously
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment unanimously denied an administrative appeal by Strong Property Management to operate a tourist rooming house in the Town of Lafayette. The board found the property's four-plex structure did not meet the single-family dwelling requirement of the zoning ordinance.

• Denied administrative appeal for tourist rooming house permit (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including February 21, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The committee approved the Highway Department's five-year capital improvement plan and its associated priority rankings. The board also received reports on federal funding requests for bridge and corridor expansions.

• Approved 2025-2029 Highway Department CIP plan and ranking recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Feb 28 minutes and May 22 meeting date (unanimous)

Health & Human Services Board

The board approved the 2024 Human Services Program Prioritization Ranking and the Public Health 2023 Annual Report. Additionally, the board approved changes to the Public Health consumer fee schedules for 2024 and 2025.

• Approved 2024 Human Services Program Prioritization Ranking (Unanimous)
• Approved Public Health 2023 Annual Report (Unanimous)
• Approved Public Health 2024 and 2025 financial user fees (8-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Feb 15 minutes and May 16 meeting date (7-0)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a request to rezone a vacant parcel in the Town of Lafayette from agricultural to highway commercial. The committee took no action on adjusting the minimum bid for a tax-deeded parcel after receiving no bids on current properties.

• Approved rezone for Stillson Creek Properties LLC in Town of Lafayette (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Feb 22 and Mar 12 minutes (unanimous)
• No action taken on adjusting minimum bid for tax deed parcel 23205-2841-08000000

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The committee approved the 2024 Stewardship Fund matching grant criteria and the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan ranking. It also extended a cooperative agreement with the Lake Wissota Improvement & Protection Association through 2026. Two resolutions regarding state legislation on wakesurfing standards and foreign land ownership were forwarded to the County Board.

• Approved 2024 Matching Grant Criteria for Chippewa County Stewardship Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan ranking (Unanimous)
• Approved third amendment to Lake Wissota Stewardship Project agreement through 12/31/2026 (Unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution requesting state wakesurfing and wakeboarding standards to County Board (Unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution supporting 2023 Senate Bill 348 on foreign land ownership to County Board (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Feb 21 minutes and May 15 meeting date (Unanimous)

Facilities & Parks Committee

The Facilities & Parks Committee approved increases to 2025 county park site and boat dock fees. The committee also voted to forward the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan to the County Administrator without changes.

• Approved increase of 2025 per night site fee to $20.00 (unanimous)
• Approved increase of 2025 daily boat dock fee to $5.00 (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding 2025 Capital Improvement Plan to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and January 24, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The committee unanimously forwarded 2025 Capital Improvement Plan requests for the Sheriff's Office to the County Administrator. It also recommended the creation of a new full-time Jailer II position for courthouse security to the Executive Committee.

• Approved forwarding 2025 CIP requests to County Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to Executive Committee to create a full-time Jailer II-Courthouse Security position (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Jan 22, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The board approved giving the ADRC Manager authority to adjust transportation co-payments and ride limitations to sustain funding. The board also approved the ADRC's contributions to the 2023 Human Services Annual Report.

• Approved flexibility for ADRC Manager to adjust transportation co-payments and ride limits (unanimous)
• Approved ADRC portion of 2023 Human Services Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Jan 11 minutes and May 9 meeting date (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee approved revisions to a conditional use permit for Marcella Lucille LLC. The changes allow the property at 14248 109th Avenue in the Town of Eagle Point to be used as a contractor's storage yard.

• Approved revisions to CUP 2011-0003 for Marcella Lucille LLC (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for March 21, 2024, at 4:30 PM (unanimous)

County Board of Supervisors

The Board approved a new five-year library service plan that increases municipal reimbursement rates. It also authorized several ARPA fund expenditures for public safety equipment and employee bonuses, and approved a land acquisition for the County Forest.

• Approved 2025-2029 Library Plan of Service (Unanimous)
• Approved $190,000 in ARPA funds for Sheriff's Department radios (Unanimous)
• Approved approx. $299,880 in ARPA funds for employee longevity bonuses (18-0)
• Approved reallocation of remaining ARPA funds to Highway Department (Unanimous)
• Approved acquisition of 80 acres for County Forest in Town of Ruby (Unanimous)
• Approved ordinance to open County highways as ATV/UTV routes based on traffic volume (18-1)
• Approved ordinance designating Board Chair and Administrator as refugee resettlement contacts (Unanimous)
• Recommended hybrid courthouse security model to incoming Board (Unanimous)

Executive Committee

The committee approved several requests to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for employee bonuses, sheriff's department radios, and highway projects. It also recommended a hybrid security plan for the courthouse and updated refugee resettlement notification procedures.

• Approved IT Division 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Project requests (unanimous)
• Forwarded 2025-2029 Library Plan of Service to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded $190,000 ARPA funding for Sheriff's Department radios to County Board (3-2)
• Forwarded $299,880 ARPA funding for employee longevity rewards to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded reallocation of remaining ARPA funds to Highway Department for 2024 projects to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded amended 2021-2026 ARPA Plan to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded recommendation to hire another courthouse security officer and review hybrid access options to County Board (unanimous)
• Forwarded ordinance to designate Board Chair and Administrator as refugee resettlement contacts to County Board (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee voted 3-2 to forward to the County Board a proposed ordinance that would repeal and recreate Section 58-39, opening all County highways with less than 750 vehicles per day to ATV/UTV traffic, with listed exceptions. A motion to instead use a 1,000 vehicles/day threshold failed 2-3. The ordinance is a first reading and goes to the County Board on 3/12/2024; it is not yet final. The committee also approved its consent agenda and adjournment unanimously.

• Motion to amend the ordinance to open highways under 1,000 cars/day instead of 750 failed 2-3 (Rohmeyer, Gehring, Sikorski voting no)
• Approved and forwarded to County Board the ordinance opening all additional County highways under 750 cars/day as ATV/UTV routes (3-2; Calkins and Flater voting no)
• Consent agenda (agenda, prior minutes, next meeting 3/27/2024) approved unanimously
• Adjournment approved unanimously

Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC)

The council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from September 26, 2023. Members discussed data and updates regarding the Take A Stand Against Meth campaign, Recovery Court, and the Re-entry Program. The council also discussed the impact of HSHS and Prevea closures on services.

• Approved Agenda and September 26, 2023 minutes (11-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for May 28, 2024 (11-0)

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee unanimously approved seven conditional use permit renewals for Milestone Materials mining pits. It also approved a rezone for commercial storage units in the Town of Lafayette and a conditional use permit for a home-based business in the Town of Eagle Point.

• Approved conditional use permit for home-based business (Karen Schick Trust) (Unanimous)
• Approved rezone for commercial storage units (Countrified Investments) with five conditions (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Burns Pit (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Hilger Pit (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Bischel Pit (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Oleson Pit (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Menard Pit (Unanimous)
• Approved 4-year CUP renewal for Ruff Pit and Hilger B Pit (Unanimous)

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The committee approved a race permit and timber sale extensions, while barring a non-compliant logger from future bids. A resolution to acquire 80 acres of land using a mix of grants and county funds was forwarded to the County Board.

• Approved 50K race permit for True North Adventures (Unanimous)
• Approved timber sale contract extensions for Theodore Strzok Logging (Unanimous)
• Deemed Franzen Forest Products balance uncollectible and barred them from bidding for two years (Unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to acquire ~80 acres in Town of Ruby to County Board (Unanimous)
• Approved agenda and January 17 minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment postponed an administrative appeal by Strong Property Management regarding a permit for a tourist rooming house in the Town of Lafayette. The board requested further legal guidance on how state statutes interact with the county zoning ordinance.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Postponed administrative appeal 2024-0003 for Strong Property Management (3-2)

Board of Adjustment

The Chippewa County Board of Adjustment met on February 21, 2024, and traveled to inspect the Strong Property Management parcel at 5483 176th Street in the Town of Lafayette. The inspection was for members to view the site before a public hearing on Administrative Appeal #2024-0003. No substantive decisions were made; the only vote was to approve the adjournment, which passed unanimously. The minutes are marked DRAFT.

• Site inspection at 5483 176th Street, Town of Lafayette, discussed (no vote)
• Adjournment approved unanimously (5-0); mover Roger McFarlane, second Julie Geissler

County Board of Supervisors

The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to address investigations involving Sheriff Travis Hakes. After a closed session, the board voted 19-1 to declare no confidence in the Sheriff's leadership and to forward the investigation results to the District Attorney. The board also voted 19-1 to direct that future administrative reports come from the Chief Deputy rather than the Sheriff.

• Approved closed session to discuss personnel matters (18-2)
• Declared no confidence in Sheriff Travis Hakes' leadership (19-1)
• Directed investigations involving Sheriff Hakes to be forwarded to the District Attorney (19-1)
• Authorized Administrator and Chair to issue a statement summarizing concerns (19-1)
• Directed future Sheriff's Department reports to come from Chief Deputy, not Sheriff Hakes (19-1)

Health & Human Services Board

The board approved the Public Health 2024 Program Prioritization and a new Health Equity Plan to address service disparities. Members also reviewed reports on the impact of HSHS and Prevea clinic closures on local health services.

• Approved Public Health 2024 Program Prioritization (Unanimous)
• Approved Public Health's Health Equity Plan (6-1)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Jan 18 minutes (Unanimous)

County Board of Supervisors

The County Board approved a resolution requesting an immediate pause on refugee resettlement in Wisconsin. The board also approved ordinances allowing backyard chickens in R1 districts and updating the Ethics Inquiry Board appointment process.

• Approved resolution requesting pause on refugee resettlement (15-6)
• Approved ordinance allowing backyard chickens in Residential 1 District (20-1)
• Approved ordinance transferring Ethics Inquiry Board appointments to County Administrator (20-1)
• Approved 2025-2028 compensation for County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds (Unanimous)
• Approved continuation of self-insured workers compensation program (Unanimous)
• Authorized Board Chair and Administrator to testify for $15M emergency services bill (Unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Fire Warden appointments (Unanimous)
• First reading of ordinances regarding nonmetallic mining reclamation and dog license fund

County Traffic Safety Commission

The Chippewa County Traffic Safety Commission reviewed a speed study for CTH K between CTH X and 70th Avenue and decided to maintain the current 55 mph speed limit. The commission also approved the previous meeting's minutes and next meeting schedule. Reports were given on 2023 crash statistics, which showed a reduction in crashes across all categories, and a new $200,000 federal grant for a county-wide safety plan.

• Approved maintaining 55 mph speed limit on CTH K (based on speed study)
• Approved October 12, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for May 9, 2024
• Received $200,000 Safe Streets & Roads for All grant (reported)

County Board of Supervisors

The County Board approved a resolution requesting that Hospital Sister Health System (HSHS) and Prevea Health work with community stakeholders to ensure continuity of services following announced closures. The resolution will be sent to the organizations' chief executive officers, the Governor, and state legislators.

• Approved Res. 05-24 requesting HSHS and Prevea collaborate on service continuity (18-0)

Economic Development Committee

The committee decided to keep the county-owned property at 21 E. Spruce Street due to potential future office space needs. Members also received reports on the economic impact of HSHS hospital closures and updates from the Economic Development Corporation.

• Approved consent agenda including Nov 1, 2023 minutes (Unanimous)
• Agreed to retain property at 21 E. Spruce Street
• Scheduled next meeting for May 1, 2024

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee voted unanimously to forward a resolution to the County Board setting 2025-2028 salaries for the County Clerk, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds, with a 6% raise in 2025 and 2% raises in each of 2026-2028. It also voted 3-1 to forward an ordinance amending the county's dog license fund rules. The committee reviewed a capital projects update and discussed the local impact of hospital closures; no final decisions were made on those items.

• Forwarded to County Board (unanimous) resolution setting 2025-2028 salaries for County Clerk, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds: 6% raise in 2025, 2% in each of 2026-2028
• Forwarded to County Board (3-1, Schmitt opposed) ordinance amending Section 46-9(a) on the dog license fund
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous): agenda, prior meeting minutes, next meeting Feb 20, 2024
• Reviewed 2021-2024 capital improvement projects update (no action)
• Discussed impact of HSHS/Prevea hospital closures on the county (no action)
• Adjourned at 4:55 p.m. (unanimous)

Agriculture & Extension Committee

The committee approved the agenda and minutes from October 4, 2023, and December 6, 2023. Members received updates from the Area Extension Director and various educators regarding agricultural studies, nutrition programs, and community outreach.

• Approved consent agenda including Oct 4 and Dec 6 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 5, 2024, at 7:45 am (unanimous)

Facilities & Parks Committee

The committee held a regular meeting to review parks budget summaries, promotional recommendations, and capital improvement project updates. No substantive new business items were decided during the session.

• Approved the agenda and November 29, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for March 20, 2024 (unanimous)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee met in a special session to conduct a performance evaluation of the County Administrator. The committee convened in closed session for this purpose and later returned to open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for February 6, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved the County Administrator performance evaluation in closed session (Unanimous)

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The committee recommended approval of a resolution to use $190,000 in ARPA interest and contingency funds to purchase approximately 33 mobile and 37 portable radios. The upgrade aims to allow the Sheriff's Department to communicate on a single digital channel with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

• Recommended approval of $190,000 ARPA funding for mobile and portable radios (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including Nov 20, 2023 minutes (Unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for March 18, 2024

Health & Human Services Board

The Chippewa County Health & Human Services Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes via consent agenda. The session consisted primarily of staff reports on Human Services and Public Health programs, including financial data, caseload statistics, and strategic planning updates. No new policies or budget changes were voted on during this meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes from Dec 21, 2023 meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for February 15, 2024
• Reviewed Human Services Director’s program and financial report
• Reviewed Public Health Director’s program and financial report
• Discussed 2024 Public Health program prioritization rankings
• Reviewed 2023-2026 Public Health Strategic Plan progress

Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee

The committee approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 30, Article II of the County Code to align nonmetallic mining reclamation rules with state standards. The body also held two closed sessions to discuss real estate transactions for various parcels.

• Approved ordinance to amend Chapter 30, Art. II regarding nonmetallic mining reclamation and forwarded to County Board (Unanimous)
• Approved closed session to consider real estate transactions for parcels in T30N, R6W and T31N, R6W (Unanimous)
• Approved closed session to consider real estate transaction for parcel in T32N, R5W, Section 28 (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and agenda (Unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Chippewa County Board of Adjustment approved variance request 2024-0002 for Jake and Stacy Steivang on Lot 10 of RiverBelle Subdivision in the Town of Lafayette, allowing an after-the-fact variance for a newly built home that does not meet the 20-foot sideyard setback in the Agricultural District. The vote was 3-2, with McFarlane, Geissler and Shipman in favor and Bennesch and Matthews against. County planning staff had recommended denial, stating the hardship was self-created because the house was moved from a code-compliant location after permits were issued. The board also approved its consent agenda and adjourned; no members of the public spoke.

• Approved Steivang variance request 2024-0002 (after-the-fact 20-ft sideyard setback, Town of Lafayette) 3-2
• Approved consent agenda (agenda, Oct 18, 2023 minutes, next meeting Feb 21, 2024 if needed) unanimously
• Adjourned unanimously

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment met on January 17, 2024, and traveled to the Steivang property at 18223 22nd Avenue in the Town of Lafayette for a site inspection ahead of a public hearing on Variance Petition #2024-0002. No members of the public wished to be heard, and no future agenda items were listed. The board then voted unanimously to adjourn. No substantive decisions on the variance itself were made at this meeting.

• Site inspection at Steivang property, 18223 22nd Avenue, Town of Lafayette — discussed (no action taken)
• Motion to adjourn — approved unanimously (3-0; Ayes: McFarlane, Matthews, Geissler; Excused: Bennesch, Marquardt)

Executive Committee

The committee forwarded a resolution to the County Board requesting an immediate pause on refugee resettlement in Wisconsin. It also approved a recommended salary increase for three elected officials and forwarded a workers compensation insurance resolution.

• Forwarded resolution requesting immediate pause on refugee resettlement to County Board (3-1)
• Approved recommended 6% wage increase for 2025 and 2% annual increases 2026-2028 for County Clerk, County Treasurer, and Register of Deeds (4-0)
• Forwarded resolution to continue self-funded workers compensation insurance program to County Board (4-0)
• Approved closed session for County Administrator performance evaluation (4-0)

Aging & Disability Resource Center Board

The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 9, 2023, meeting. The session consisted primarily of staff reports regarding options counseling, social media metrics, and financial updates.

• Approved agenda and November 9, 2023 minutes (unanimous)

County Board of Supervisors

The Board approved the creation of a second full-time Deputy Corporation Counsel position and updated several county ordinances. They also approved revisions to opioid settlement fund guidelines and authorized supervisor compensation for up to 100 committee meeting days in 2024.

• Created second full-time Deputy Corporation Counsel position (Unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Opioid Settlement Fund guidelines and reallocated $30,000 in the FY2024 budget (Unanimous)
• Authorized supervisor compensation and mileage for up to 100 committee meeting days in 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Large Assemblies ordinance regarding safety and insurance (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Emergency Services and Rural Naming and Numbering system (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Board of Canvassers appointment terms and per diem rates (Unanimous)
• Approved new HIPAA policies regarding technical access, health plans, and information retention (Unanimous)
• Postponed resolution to apply for FEMA grant for high school safe room (13-7)

Executive Committee

The committee approved forwarding resolutions to the County Board regarding supervisor compensation, the creation of a Deputy Corporation Counsel position, and a FEMA grant application for a community safe room. A resolution calling for a moratorium on refugee resettlement was postponed for further revision.

• Forwarded resolution for supervisor compensation and mileage for up to 100 days in 2024 (Unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to create a second full-time Deputy Corporation Counsel position (Unanimous)
• Forwarded resolution to apply for a FEMA grant for the Chippewa Falls Senior High School Athletic Booster Club safe room (4-1)
• Postponed resolution calling for a moratorium on refugee resettlement (3-2)
• Postponed County Administrator performance evaluation closed session (4-1)