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HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry & Parks Committee - Minutes - 11/29/2010BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2010 Members Present: Committee members present were Shawn Miller, Chairperson, Marco Bichanich, Vice-Chairperson, Bucky Jardine, John Bennett and William Kacvinsky. Staff in Attendance: Jason Bodine, Administrator, Steve Probst, Assistant Administrator, Mike Amman, Forester and Barbara Suminski, Office Manager. Others in Attendance: Steve Coffin, DNR representative, Phil Controulis, Ned Zuelsdorff, Marc Putman, Ellen Kwiatkowski, Roger Marincel, Steve Garrett, Brenda Garrett, Ellen Kwiatkowski and Claire Duquette of The Daily Press. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Shawn Miller at 5:00 P.M. Executive Session: Bill Kacvinsky made a motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to State Statute 19.85 (1)(e)(f) deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public Business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session; considering financial, medical, social or personal histories of specific persons in regard to Telemark Land Purchase and Bayfield County Parks Operation and Management and the motion was seconded by John Bennett. On a role call vote those approving the Executive Session with a yes vote, Shawn Miller, Marco Bichanich, John Bennett and William Kacvinsky and with a no vote Bucky Jardine. Out of Executive Session: On a motion by William Kacvinsky and seconded by Marco Bichanich the Committee moved into Open session at 6:ll P.M. Open Public Comment: Ned Zuelsdorff of American Birkenbeiner stated that they still did support the purchase of the acreage of Telemark land by the County. Phil Controulis informed the Committee that he has a group of individuals that he is hoping will support his continued venture and interest in the eight hundred thirty-three acres. Telemark Land Purchase: The Administrator shared with the Committee that the parcels of interest would total five hundred forty three acres. Included in his information to the Committee were a summary of the current tax valuation for the parcels and as part of the summary a breakdown by tax jurisdiction for the Town of Cable. The Administrator informed the Committee that he and Shawn Miller walked the property the previous week and that Mike Amman put in a few points. The entire area was harvested about five to ten years ago, with some areas more aggressively than others. Aspen, Birch and dead oak were removed throughout most of the property. Also, much of the higher quality red oak sawlogs were also removed. In general, there is an average of about 80 to 90 square feet of basal area, with 15 to 25 cords per acre remaining. Most of the property has already been harvested. The general consensus of the committee was that there was still a lack of information to determine moving forward with the application process. Bucky Jardine stated that maybe the Bayfield County Conservancy should file for application. Shawn Miller stated that, at this time, the Bayfield County Forestry Committee should not pursue the application for a grant to purchase the parcels of the property discussed. William Kacvinsky made a motion to not apply for a DNR grant to pursue the purchase of five hundred forty three acres, at this time. John Bennett seconded the motion. On a role call vote, the yes votes were Marco Bichanich, William Kacvinsky, John Bennett and Shawn Miller and no vote by Bucky Jardine. BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2010 Page 2. Bayfield County Parks Operation and Management: Open Public Comment: Steve Garrett spoke on behalf of himself and his wife, Brenda who have been the managers of the Delta Lake Park. Mr. Garrett felt that, as the manager of the Delta Park, they create safety with their presence and have brought income into the parks since they have been hired. Mr. Garrett felt that many aspects of the Administrator’s proposal were sound, but had some concern on whether or not they could be seamlessly applied. He also had some concern regarding the potential elimination of reservations. He was in favor of the restructuring of seasonal sites. Brenda Garrett spoke as well. Roger Marincel, current seasonal camper at Twin Bear, spoke out against all aspects of the plan. He stated that nothing in the plan makes sense and that no one will ever want to camp at Twin Bear. Current Scenario: The Administrator had sent out to the Committee members in advance of the meeting an eight page document he had prepared which was a summary of the Bayfield County parks and options were presented in paper format at the evening meeting. Also, there was information regarding structure of the parks and recommended changes by the Administrator including, but not limited to, no reservations, seasonal placement on a lottery system, enforcement of park policies, concession buildings. The Administrator was proposing that the Committee look at moving from park managers to Limited Term Employees or one contract for Twin Bear, Delta and Atkins Lake combined. He was also proposing to begin preparation of a long term management plan for each park. There was recommendation for the moving of some seasonal sites and looking into rates that have not been changed since Cy 2008. After a good deal of discussion Bill Kacvinsky made the motion that the County pursue Option #1, a Limited Term Employee, with a Host placed at Twin Bear and Delta Park’s, but options should be kept open to ensure the best interest of the County, also, as much excess revenue as possible should be put back into the campgrounds. John Bennett seconded the motion. On a role call vote, Bill Kacvinsky, John Bennett and Shawn Miller voted yes and Bucky Jardine voted no. Wind Study: The Administrator has request that Mike Amman, Forester attend the evening meeting to discuss with the Committee the wind study if they had questions. Also, passed out to the Committee was a memo from Mark Abeles-Allison regarding the subject. The site for the placement of a 60 meter tower would be in the Town of Bayfield using grant dollars awarded to Madeline Island who would partner into the project. If approved, a request will be made to the Town of Bayfield to allow for the construction of the 60 meter MET tower. William Kacvinsky made a motion to approve the moving forward with the tower under the conditions that the Town of Bayfield give their approval of the Tower and Madeline Island provide the grant dollars. John Bennett seconded the motion and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 P.M. The next Forestry Committee Meeting will be held on December 13, 2010 at 5:30 P.M. Respectfully Submitted: Barbara Suminski