HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 11/6/20251
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
5:30pm, November 6, 2025
Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the Bayfield County
Board Room, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Dennis Pocernich, Mary Dougherty, Fred Strand, Marty Milanowski,
Madelaine Rekemeyer, Jan Lee
Excused:
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Steve Sandstrom, Jim Crandall, Tom Croteau-DHS Director
Called to order at 5:50p.m. by Chairperson Dougherty
Motion Pocernich, Lee to approve minutes of the October 7, 2025 Executive Committee
meeting. Motion Carried (5-0)
Public Comment: Christie Jensch expressed appreciation that the topic of data centers is being
discussed and expressed that she shared misinformation about Zoning regulation.
Emergency Food Assistance Funding: County is facilitating an employee food drive and is
helping to coordinate food drives within the community. There are about 635 families served by
4 primary food assistance organizations in the county.
Motion Strand, Milanowski to donate $10,000 to Emergency Food Assistance programs in
Bayfield County in accordance with legal parameters. Motion Carried (4-1, Pocernich opposed).
Land for Housing Submittals and Path Forward: Three proposals were received. Committee
expressed concern with the proposal involving 80 acres on County Highway C. They stated the
proposal would be more attractive with less acreage request. Consensus of the committee is to
allow continued discussion with the submitters.
Naming Policy: This topic was postponed to a future meeting.
Board Rules: Handout was provided with incomplete draft rules that are being considered.
County Clerk, Board Chair and County Administrator met to discuss. The goal is to have the
rules finalized prior to the new board term in 2026.
ARPA 2025 Budget Amendment: Motion Pocernich, Milanowski to forward the ARPA 2025
budget amendment resolution to the county board with recommendation for approval. Motion
Carried (5-0)
2
Budget Amendments:
a. Squad Fund:
b. PSAP Fund, 242: Grant that straddles 2025 and 2026.
c. Planning & Zoning: Expenses for temporary employee, board of adjustment legal fees.
d. Sheriff’s Office: Various expenses that have surpassed budget.
e. Animal Control: Horse related expenses.
Motion Pocernich, Strand second to forward all budget amendment resolutions to the county
board with recommendation for approval. Motion Carried (5-0)
Data Centers in Wisconsin: NACo and WCA recommend considering this topic. Consensus of
the committee is for the Zoning Code rewrite to address this topic. The committee discussed the
topic of Non-Disclosure Agreements and whether the county should have a policy related to
them.
Zoning Code Rewrite Timeline: Handout outlining the project update was provided.
Reports: Review of Treasurer’s report. Northern Lights is considering expanding the license for
the number of beds in the facility.
Meeting adjourned at 6:36pm.
Respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz