The regular monthly meeting for the Jackson County Forestry & Parks Department was held at 8:30am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Jackson County Courthouse. Those in attendance were: Ed Chamberlain, Tom Clark, Jerry Schmidt, Dale Hoff, John Higgins, Jim Zahasky, Dave Spaude, Jeremy Breheim and Ashley Stetzer.
The regular meeting was called to order at 8:30am by Chairman Ed Chamberlain
A motion was made by John Higgins to approve the minutes from the February meeting, the motion was seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
A motion to approve the bills for payment was made by Tom Clark, seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor.
Zach Clausing was present from the WI-DNR and updated the Committee on the current fire season. So far, the Black River Falls area has seen 36 fires totaling 27 acres. Prescribed burns will be taking place at Wazee in the future.
Dave Spaude presented the Forestry report. Staff continues to conduct field work, there are currently 3 contractors on the forest.
Jeremy Breheim gave the Parks report. Work has been done at Merlin Lambert cleaning up stumps and the Park is ready for campers. The Stubborn Mule event that was supposed to take place prior will be held on April 6 and be using Wazee Lake. Jeremy has been approached to put up kayak kiosks at Wazee for rent, by a couple different individuals. He will bring back more information next month.
Trails are being signed and mowed for the upcoming summer season.
Currently the MACK dump truck is being sandblasted and painted. For $3,200.00 the trailer could also be done. A motion to approve sandblasting and painting the trailer was made by John Higgins, seconded by Tom Clark, all members voted in favor.
Jim informed the Committee that Gross Motors offered $25,000 for trade on our current Ford truck. He will continue to work with the Committee and look for a one-ton pick-up that meets budget parameters.
Jeremy presented the UTV quotes. Power Pac was the low bid at $11,826.00 for a Mule 4010. A motion to approve Power Pac and purchase the mule was made by John Higgins, seconded by Dale Hoff, all member voted in favor.
A motion was made by John Higgins to approve the Resolution for a Solar Field. The motion was seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
Jackson County Wildlife Fund is donating $5,000 towards the purchase of a no till drill. Jim will continue to work with staff to find a used no till drill that will work for the department.
A motion was made by John Higgins to approve the prior purchase of a fecon mower for $36,000.00. The motion was seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
Dave requested permission to contract for power trenching as well as spraying on a future planting site. A motion to approve was made by John Higgins, seconded by Jerry Schmidt. All members voted in favor.
Dave also requested permission to finalize and order seedlings for 2025. This also includes putting down a retainer for the seedlings. A motion to approve was made by John Higgins, seconded by Tom Clark, all members voted in favor.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) would like to hold Bugle Days at Wazee Lake on September 6. A motion to approve was made by John Higgins, seconded by Tom Clark, all members voted in favor.
Bear Bog Adventure is requesting a spur connector to the ATV/UTV from his private parcel. This does not cross any County land; he is just requesting permission to connect to the trail. A motion was made by John Higgins to approve the request as long as her gets permission to cross City property. The motion was seconded by Tom Clark, all members voted in favor.
A motion to adjourned at 9:36am was made by John Higgins, seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
Next regular meeting date: April 9, 2024
These minutes will be approved at the April Meeting
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