The regular monthly meeting for the Jackson County Forestry & Parks Department was held at 8:30am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Jackson County Courthouse. Those in attendance were Ed Chamberlain, Dale Hoff, John Higgins, Garth Rolbiecki, Jerry Schmidt, Jim Zahasky, Dave Spaude and Ashley Stetzer.
The regular meeting was called to order at 8:30am by Ed Chamberlain
A motion was made by Garth Rolbiecki to approve the minutes from the March meeting, the motion was seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
A motion to approve the bills as presented for payment was made by Dale Hoff, seconded by John Higgins, all members voted in favor.
Zach Clausing and Christina Kizewski were present from the WI-DNR and gave an update.
Dave Spaude presented the Forestry report. Road Bands will be off on Monday. Winter has been favorable for harvesting and revenues are looking good. Interviews were done for Forestry LTEs and 2 applicants have been offered a position.
Parks are working on cleaning parks and opening shower facilities for the season. A 4H group recently cleaned the beach at Wazee Lake. Interviews are wrapping up for seasonal staff. The shoreline at East Arbutus also needs some repairs after the ice melted and work will begin on that this week.
Trails continue mowing and signing to prepare for the upcoming season.
The 2024 Annual Report was reviewed. Discussion on the Park expense lines and how to better balance the budget were discussed. A motion was made by Dale Hoff to approve sending the report to the full County board, the motion was seconded by Garth Rolbiecki, all members voted in favor.
Dave presented the 2025 Spring Timber Sale Bid Packet. A motion to approve advertising was made by John Higgins, seconded by Garth Rolbiecki, all members voted in favor.
A motion to approve the 2025 Town Road Grants based on recommendations from the Forestry department was made by Garth Rolbiecki, seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
Recreational trail grants were discussed. Jim provided maps to the Committee showing areas that will be submitted for rehab grant projects. A motion to approve the recreation trail projects was made by John Higgins, seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor.
Dave asked permission to go out for quotes for site prep trenching and spraying. A motion to approve going out for quotes was made by John Higgins, seconded by Garth Rolbiecki, all members voted in favor.
The Forestry department recently held an auction with Wisconsin Surplus. A Dodge Ram was sold under the previously set minimum of $13,500. After review a motion was made by Dale Hoff, seconded by John Higgins to sell the vehicle for the $12,345 received on auction. All members voted in favor.
A motion to go into closed session was made by John Higgins, seconded by Garth Rolbiecki, all members voted in favor via roll call.
A motion to reconvene in open session was made by Dale Hoff, seconded by Garth Rolbiecki, all members present voted in favor.
A motion to approve sending a Resolution to the Executive & Finance Committee, and then to the full County Board, to approve the wetland mitigation project purchase was made by Garth Rolbiecki, seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor.
A motion to adjourn at 9:45am was made by Garth Rolbiecki, seconded by Dale, all members voted in favor.
Next regular meeting date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 8:30am
These minutes will be approved at the May Meeting