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HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry & Parks Committee - Minutes - 8/9/2010 BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 Members Present: Committee members present were Shawn Miller, Chairperson, Marco Bichanich, Vice-Chairperson, Bucky Jardine, John Bennett and William Kacvinsky arrived at approximately 5:45 P.M. from attending another County Committee meeting. Staff in Attendance: Jason Bodine, Administrator, Steve Probst, Assistant Administrator and Barbara Suminski, Office Manager. Others in Attendance: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator, Steve Coffin, DNR representative, Duwayne Montag, Al Radley and one other person representing Baystock festivities, Ron Bergin representing North End Ski Club, Levi Leafblad and one other person representing 46 Degrees North Ski and Bike, LLC. and Roger Marincel. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Shawn Miller at 5:00 P.M. The Administrator requested a change in the order of the agenda for the evening reversing the discussion order of agenda item 8 with item 9 with Committee’s approval. Approve Minutes: On a motion by Marco Bichanich and seconded by John Bennett the June 21, 2010 Executive Committee meeting minutes and the July 19, 2010 meeting minutes were approved and the motion carried. Monthly Financial Report: On a motion by Bucky Jardine and seconded by John Bennett the June amended date Timber Sale Revenue and Financial Report and the July Timber Sale Revenue Report and Financial Report were approved and the motion carried. Recreational Use Request: The Administrator stated that Duwayne Montag and Al Radley were present to request the use of a fire pit for Baystock festivities. This request is to amend an existing recreational use permit (for Baystock festivities) issued on May 7, 2003. It was noted that the recreational use permit, as well as an access permit, were never officially issued by the department (the Administrator issued an access permit and made it retroactive to May 7, 2003). The original recreational use permit gave Mr. Montag permission to use the stage, which is on his property and benches, which bleed onto Bayfield County Forest. No other structures were itemized as allowable and everything was to be removed from County land. This past year, when setting up a timber sale, it was discovered that there were still a few structures and campsites on County Forest land. Also, a large fire pit was still present. Eventually, Mr. Montag removed most of the structures and campsites, with the exception of the fire pit. Mr. Montag and Mr. Radley believed that the May 7, 2003 meeting minutes were incorrect and that the fire pit was to be included in the recreational use permit. There was a good deal of discussion regarding the area of County Forest being used by for Baystock festivities, the size of the fire pit and why it was placed where it presently is located. Also there was discussion regarding the structures and campsites that needed to be removed. Bucky made the motion to deny the request to add the fire pit to the existing recreational use permit and Marco Bichanich seconded the motion, the motion carried. Land Use Request: Ron Bergin was present at the meeting to request a spot to store grooming equipment. Up until the present, Telemark allowed the storage of equipment, but there are now issues with that agreement. The area Mr. Bergin is requesting is located behind the North End cabin and this area has already been cleared from previous timber harvesting. Mr. Bergin stated there could be some minor site improvements, but no merchantable timber would be removed. BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 Page 2. Mr. Bergin stated that there would be no structure, at present, but mentioned that one could eventually be erected in the future (with Committee approval) and that the Ski Club would do all of the work. Marco Bichanich made a motion to approve a one year permit and John Bennett seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Land Use Request: Ron Bergin was once again representing the North End Ski Club in their request to construct the final segment of a ski trail in Cable. There would be approximately 500 feet of new trail construction utilizes existing logging roads. The ultimate goal is to get the ski trail off of the current mountain bike trail. The administrator stated that the request is in compliance with the plan and improves the overall route. Marco Bichanich made a motion to approve the Land Use request and Bucky Jardine seconded the motion and the motion carried. Recreational Use Request: Levi Leafblad, representing 46 Degrees North Ski and Bike, LLC was present to request the use of existing trails near Mt. Ashwabay for the purpose of hosting a for profit mountain bike race. The Committee members received information regarding this request including a map, participant waiver form and details of the proposed event. The race was proposed to be scheduled for October 2, 2010, in conjunction with Applefest weekend. The Administrator had been in contact with Mr. Leafblad regarding this request for about one month. The race route had been tweaked two times prior to the presentation due to issues with running through State Natural Area property (which prohibits mountain bikes and for profit events) and dangerous terrain. Most of the final proposed route appeared capable of handling a small bike race, however the Administrator still had a few concerns that needed to be addressed. One concern was the presence of a wet pocket/seep located on a portion of the proposed route. The other concern was the designation of opposing traffic on a portion of the race route. The Administrator stated that if the event was held shortly after a fairly significant rain event, there will be issues with rutting and erosion. Mr. Leafblad stated that there would not be an issue, claiming that average rainfall for the time of the race was insignificant and that any minor damage caused from the race would be fixed by Mother Nature. The Administrator stated that worst case scenarios must be planned for when planning any event, the wet pocket would need to be addressed and that any damage caused from the race would be fixed by the host. The Administrator also stated that having a race which allows opposing traffic to occur on portions of the route would pose a safety concern for participants. The area in question has numerous blind curves and runs downhill. Onsite volunteers and medical personnel were discussed. Mr. Leafblad stated that he did not see a need for onsite medical personnel and did not feel that the portion of the route with opposing traffic was an issue. Mr. Leafblad also stated that he expects between 40 and 100 participants. The Administrator stated that, for any potential event, all potential issues need to be identified and addressed and that a remediation plan should be presented in the event that damage would occur. The Administrator also stated that a performance bond should be required if the request is approved. After some discussion, Bucky Jardine made a motion to approve the request with a performance bond and working with the Administrator to address stated concerns. The Committee members had additional questions regarding the terrain and liability insurance. The administrator stated that the race would require liability insurance and that there has been prior discussion with Mr. Leafblad regarding this requirement. Mr. Leafblad stated that he will get liability insurance if approved. The Administrator reiterated previous concerns regarding the wet pocket, opposing traffic, and lack of plans that identify and address potential issues. The motion made by Bucky Jardine failed for lack of a second motion to approve. BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 Page 3. William Kacvinsky made a motion to deny the request. Mr. Kacvinsky stated that Mr. Leafblad would need to work with the Administrator to find an acceptable plan and that the Committee would have to meet again to consider a revised proposal, if one was developed. Marco Bichanich seconded the motion, and the motion carried with one descending vote by Bucky Jardine. 2011 Budget: The Administrator stated that he had changed the title of the previously stated Field Manager position to Forestry Field Coordinator in that this position would not have supervisory responsibility. The Administrator felt that his was a much needed position, especially if the Department were to acquire Parks. The Administrator informed the Committee that he had budgeted for the new forester position which had been approved by the Committee. The Administrator stated that the budget is close to completion and the Committee Chairperson asked the County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison if the budget could be amended after it is received by him and he stated that yes, the budget could be amended. Survey work that the Department did with the County Surveyor went well this past year and the Administrator stated that he would like to budget $8,000.00 for survey work in 2011. County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison stated that there would be an effort to work in conjunction with Land Records to combine efforts. Parks and Recreation: The Administrator shared with the Committee at their request the Parks and Recreation budget for CY 2009. Also included were the CY 2009 receipts for the Delta and Twin Bear parks for the CY 2009 and the occupancy records for Big Rock park for CY 2009. There was a good deal of discussion regarding the Forestry Department’s potential to manage Parks. Committee Chairman Shawn Miller suggested that the Tourism Committee make the request to move Parks to the Forestry Department and that they not enter into any contracts for the coming year. John Bennett made the motion that Bucky Jardine take to the Tourism Committee the suggestion of moving Parks to the Forestry Department and to not enter into contracts at this time. The motion was seconded by Marco Bichanich and the motion carried. Sand and Gravel Pits: The administrator informed the Committee that there is some wood that will still need to be moved from the sale on the site. The Towns of Bayfield and Russell have both signed the agreement for the pit. The administrator informed the Committee that he had some dialog with Tom Toepfer regarding the Highway Department administering the County owned sand and gravel pits. Secure Rural Schools: The administrator informed the Committee that the Secure Rural Schools form is due no later than September 30, 2009. Based on the CY 2009 share the County must allocate on a formula basis to the Title I, Title 2 and Title 3 Programming. Access Management Plan: The administrator informed the Committee that he was in the process of generating a survey questionnaire that will be sent to all local user groups, municipalities and etc., for soliciting input for the upcoming plan. The form will be mailed or e-mailed to everyone on the list as well as placed on our website. This will assist us in determining whether or not a user group, round table or panel would be necessary in the development of the plan. MFL Legislative Committee: County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison has been selected as a public member on this legislative committee. The Administrator shared with the committee members a copy of the letter Mark received regarding the goal of the legislative committee. Mark is asking the Forestry Committee for input. BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 Page 4. Recess: Five minute Recess. Executive Session: William Kacvinsky made a motion to move into Executive Session pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85 (1)(c) for the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation. The motion was seconded by Marco Bichanich and on role call vote the Committee entered into Executive Session at 7:45 P.M. Reconvened: The Committee reconvened into open session at 8:20 P.M. The meeting adjourned on a motion by Marco Bichanich and seconded by John Bennett and carried.