VILAS COUNTY ( One week 4/1/26 ) BOARD PROCEEDINGS March 24, 2026 The March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Vilas County Board of Supervisors was held pursuant to Wis. Stat. §59.11(1)(c) in the Vilas County Courthouse conference rooms A-B-C-D, 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521. CALL TO ORDER Vilas County Board Vice-Chair Carolyn Ritter called the assembly to order at 9:00 A.M. She instructed the County Clerk, Kim Olkowski to read aloud and insert into the minutes the following notification: Public meeting notice requirements were fulfilled by posting a notice of this meeting on bulletin boards located in the Vilas County Courthouse, Olson Memorial Library and Eagle River City Hall. Notice of this meeting was posted on the Vilas County Government website. All media outlets and members of the public requesting notification of this meeting were notified on March 20, 2026, more than twenty-four hours prior to the meeting. The public was also notified that discussion and action may occur regarding all items posted on this agenda. The Clerk requested that all present silence their cell phones for the duration of the meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Burkett asked all in attendance to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Roll call found the following members in attendance: Marvin Anderson, Lake Edwards, Robert Hanson, Aron Houdini, Ann Konopacky, Arthur Kunde, Richard Logan, Michael MacKenzie, Thomas Maulson, Joseph Muehlbach, Thomas Petrusky, Carolyn Ritter, Daniel Swiecichowski, Holly Tomlanovich, Leah Trojan, Patrick Weber, and Joseph Wildcat, Sr. Jerry Burkett and Jacob Postuchow were excused. Arleen Harsvick and Thomas Maulson were absent. The Clerk reported 17 Supervisors in attendance at the beginning of the meeting, constituting a quorum of the County Board. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2026, REGULAR MEETING Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by D. Kramer to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2026, regular meeting as presented. All voted aye. Carried. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Kathryn Craffey came forward and spoke about the Standing Rules and her perceived treatment by the Finance & Budget Committee Chair. Patricia Gibbs also came forward and spoke about the Standing Rules and her perceived treatment by the Finance & Budget Committee Chair. They would both like to see Vilas County supervisors and employees hold themselves accountable to the Standing Rules. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Human Resource Manager Kris Braynack and Human Resources Committee Member Dan Kramer presented wooden plaques to employees with 20 or more years of service. There were 12 employees with 20, 25, or 30 years of service. Ms. Braynack also read aloud 17 names of employees that have reached 5, 10, or 15 years of service, which will each receive a certificate of service. Ms. Braynack thanked them and stated that they are an amazing group of employees. There was a round of applause. 2026 VILAS COUNTY YOUTH CONSERVATION SPEAKING & POSTER CONTESTS Lake Conservation Specialist, Cathy Higley, introduced the 2026 Vilas County Youth Conservation Speaking Contest winner, Delaney Darton. She is a homeschooled 6th grade student. Ms. Darton gave her award-winning speech, which won at the local level and earned 2nd place at the area level. She engaged the Supervisors with her speech “Sustaining the Sacred Seed.” She explained the life cycle of wild rice, from seed to harvesting and back to seed again. Vice-Chair Ritter thanked her for sharing her speech with them, and that she learned a lot. There was a round of applause. Ms. Darton had also submitted a poster to the Vilas County Youth Conservation Poster Contest, which won at the local level, area level, state level, and is being presented in Las Vegas, NV at the national level. She presented her poster to the Supervisors. Well done! VILAS COUNTY DIVERSION PROGRAM District Attorney Karl Hayes and Program Director from JusticePoint Kaitlyn Black presented the Diversion Program. The mission of the Vilas County Diversion Program is to reduce recidivism and the social and economic costs of criminal activity through a judicially supervised, collaborative treatment and recovery program that is focused on participant accountability, empowering participants to achieve lifelong recovery from substance use disorder, and improving the lives of participants, their family, and the community. They went over how the program works and how a candidate can be successful. There was a round of applause. RECESS FOR THE REGULAR COUNTY BOARD WAS CALLED AT 10:02 A.M. RECONVENED AT 10:10 A.M. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES TABLED OR POSTPONED TO A DAY CERTAIN None. ALL RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES, IN THEIR ENTIRETY, ARE ON FILE IN THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE Resolutions and Ordinances are posted in the order in which they were acted upon. INTRODUCE AND ACT UPON ALL POSTED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RES. 2026-08 2027 – 2030 Salaries for Certain Vilas County Elected Officials • 2/3 Majority Vote Necessary Motion by D. Kramer, seconded by M. Anderson to postpone. Discussion. All voted aye to POSTPONE. Postponed. RES. 2026-09 Authorizing the Use of Opioid Funds to Purchase and Develop the SheriffApp to Address the Opioid Crisis, Engage with the Community, and Optimize the Response to Opioid-Related Issues • 2/3 Majority Vote Necessary PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Vilas County Board of Supervisors authorized the use of Opioid Funds. WHEREAS, Vilas County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the need to utilize a portion of the Vilas County Opioid Funds for the purchase/development of an app (application) that helps network the residents and visitors of Vilas County that are impacted by the opioid crisis with law enforcement (Vilas County Sheriff’s Office); and WHEREAS, this app would allow the agency to engage with the community effectively by the following: 1. Providing information on opioid prevention, treatment options, and other resources; 2. Enabling users to report suspicious activities related to opioid and other drug use; 3. Directing users to local resources, which can include information about addiction treatment centers, support groups, and mental health services; 4. Serving as a platform for educating the public about the dangers of opioids, overdose prevention, and how to administer naloxone if needed; 5. Facilitating community policing efforts, helping officers build trust and cooperation with residents in addressing localized opioid concerns; and WHEREAS, the Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Committee recommends the purchase/development of the SheriffApp; and WHEREAS, the Finance & Budget Committee supports the allowable expense; and WHEREAS, funds in the amount of $17,387.00 ($10,908.00 one-time fee, $6,479.00 year one annual fee) are requested from the Opioid Fund to purchase/develop the SheriffApp for year one, $6,479.00 for year two, and $6,479.00 for year three for a total of $30,345.00. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Vilas County Board of Supervisors in session this 24th day of March 2026, hereby authorizes the use of up to $30,345.00 (over three years) from the Opioid Fund for the purpose of purchasing/developing the SheriffApp. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Finance Director is directed to record such information in the official books of the County for the year ending December 31, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk is instructed to publish a Class 1 notice within 10 days of these amendments informing the public of these particular changes. Submitted by: Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Committee Gerald Burkett, Chair s/Tom Maulsen, Vice-Chair s/Lake Edwards Leah Trojan s/Patrick Weber Submitted by: Finance & Budget Committee Gerald Burkett, Chair s/Holly Tomlanovich, Vice-Chair s/Daniel Kramer s/Richard Logan s/Joseph Muehlbach Motion by P. Weber, seconded by R. Hanson to adopt. Sheriff Ritter presented the resolution. He explained that the Sheriff’s Office would like to bring forward an app that can be used by everyone in the community. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. RES. 2026-10 Authorizing Use of Opioid Funds to Supplement the State Opioid Response Grant for the Readiness for Recovery Program • 2/3 Majority Vote Necessary Motion by D. Kramer, seconded by P. Weber to withdraw. Vice-Chair Ritter explained that the funds are not needed at this time. Discussion. All voted aye to WITHDRAW. Withdrawn. RES. 2026-11 Authorize One-Time Use of Opioid Funds in Conjunction with Oneida County to Fund the Initial Training Period of Two (2) Behavioral Therapist Positions • 2/3 Majority Vote Necessary PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Vilas County Board of Supervisors authorized the use of Opioid Funds. WHEREAS, the Oneida County Human Services Department desires to hire two (2) behavioral health therapists to reduce and prevent waitlists for outpatient mental health services, improve access to timely care for adults, youth, and families, strengthen partnerships with schools and community referral sources, reduce reliance on higher-cost emergency and crisis interventions, and maintain a financially responsible, revenue-generating service model; and WHEREAS, there is currently a waitlist for Behavioral Therapy services of 39 individuals, of which 20% are Vilas County residents; and WHEREAS, the cost of each position is $117,280.00, with a total cost of $234,560.00 for the two positions; and WHEREAS, the estimated total cost for the six-month onboarding period for these positions is $87,960.00; and WHEREAS, the positions shall be self-sustaining, funded by insurance alone, and will require no tax levy or additional opioid funds once the six-month onboarding period is met; and WHEREAS, the Oneida County Human Services Department is requesting Opioid dollars from their own county’s Opioid Fund to provide for their portion of costs associated with these positions; and WHEREAS, the Oneida County Human Services Department is requesting Vilas and Forest Counties contribute to funding the initial six-month onboarding period of these positions based on the contracted percentage rate of administrative costs; and WHEREAS, Vilas County’s current contracted percentage rate of administrative costs is thirty (30) percent; and WHEREAS, Vilas County’s costs based on the contracted percentage rate of administrative costs would be $26,388.00; and WHEREAS, the Forest County Human Service Board approved forwarding to the Forest County Board of Supervisors the use of Opioid dollars for their portion of providing for these positions on February 26, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Oneida County Human Services Board approved forwarding to the Executive Committee the use of Opioid dollars for their portion of providing for these positions on February 4, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Vilas County Human Services Department is requesting that funding to provide for Vilas County’s portion of these positions come from the Vilas County Opioid Funds; and WHEREAS, forming these positions will greatly benefit the residents of Vilas County by providing better access to services and allow the Vilas County Department of Human Services to better discharge its duties under the Wisconsin Statutes. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Vilas County Board of Supervisors in session this 24th day of March, 2026, a transfer of $26,388.00 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to the Human Services Fund is authorized for the purposes of helping fund behavioral health therapist positions. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no additional tax levy or additional opioid funds shall be used for the positions if the positions are not self-sustaining any time after the six-month period. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Finance Director is directed to record such information in the official books of the County for the year ending December 31, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk is instructed to publish a Class 1 notice within 10 days of these amendments informing the public of these particular changes. Submitted by: Human Services Board s/Marvin Anderson, Chair s/Carolyn Ritter, Vice-Chair Gerald Burkett s/Robert Hanson Submitted by: Finance & Budget Committee s/Gerald Burkett, Chair s/Holly Tomlanovich, Vice-Chair s/Daniel Kramer s/Richard Logan s/Joseph Muehlbach Motion by M. Anderson, seconded by D. Kramer to adopt. Human Services Director, Valarie Wielhouwer presented the resolution. There is currently 1 therapist covering Vilas County, Oneida County, and Forest County. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. RES. 2026-12 Transportation Funding Motion by P. Weber, seconded by H. Tomlanovich to adopt. Commissioner Troy Schalinske presented the resolution. He explained the need. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. RES. 2026-13 Designating Working Bank, Public Depository and Authorization for Withdrawal of County Funds Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by D. Kramer to adopt. Treasurer, Paulette Sarnicki, presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. RES. 2026-14 Creation of Environmental Limited Term Employee (LTE) Position • 3/4 Majority Vote Necessary Motion by L. Edwards, seconded by J. Muehlbach to adopt. Public Health Director, Amy Springer, presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. RES. 2026-15 Authorization to Apply for Department of Natural Resources Trail Aids Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by D. Swiecichowski to adopt. Supervisor H. Tomlanovich presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. M. Anderson left the meeting at 10:44 a.m. RES. 2026-16 2027 Annual DATCP Grant Funding Application Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by L. Edwards to adopt. Conservationist, Alan Wirt, presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye (M. Anderson was not present). Carried. RES. 2026-17 Budget Amendment – Aging & Disability Resource Center • 2/3 Majority Vote Necessary PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Vilas County Board of Supervisors amended their 2025 budget according to Res. 2026-17 on March 24, 2026 pursuant to Wis. Stat. §65.90(5), to include the following increases and/or decreases to the expenditure and revenue line items: WHEREAS, the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, GWAAR, has been authorized to make funds available to the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Vilas County through various grants; and WHEREAS, the ADRC recommends that the 2025 budget be amended to allow for the increases/decreases in revenues and to authorize a corresponding increase/decrease in expenditures as shown below: Revenue or Line-Item Number Expense Description Amount Revenue 260.51.43540 AGING-TITLE III-B (FED) - $ 6,979.00 Expense 260.51.54610.0259 LEASE OF EQUIPMENT - $ 425.00 Expense 260.51.54610.0949 POSTAGE-III B - $ 2,450.00 Expense 260.51.54610.0951 TELEPHONE-III B - $ 1,336.00 Expense 260.51.54610.0958 SUPPORTIVE HOME CARE-III B - $ 2,768.00 Revenue 260.51.43541 AGING-TITLE III C-1 (FED) - $ 9,475.00 Expense 260.51.54612.0910 NUT SITE MGR SALARY-C1 - $ 7,735.00 Expense 260.51.54612.0751 FICA-C1 - $ 1,740.00 Revenue 260.51.43542 AGING-TITLE III C-2 (FED) +$14,329.00 Expense 260.51.54615.0903 TITLE III C-2 +$14,329.00 Revenue 260.51.43555 TITLE III-E FEDERAL +$ 300.00 Expense 260.51.54625.0904 TITLE III-E +$ 300.00 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vilas County Board of Supervisors in session this 24th day of March, 2026, that the Board hereby approves amending the 2025 budget as set forth above and the Finance Director is directed to record such information in the official books of the County for the year ending December 31, 2025. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk is instructed to publish a Class 1 notice within 10 days of these amendments informing the public of these changes. SUBMITTED BY: ADRC Committee s/Daniel Swiecichowski, Chair s/Richard Logan, Vice-Chair s/Robert Hanson Motion by D. Swiecichowski, seconded by H. Tomlanovich to adopt. Director Sue Richmond presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye (M. Anderson was not present). Carried. RES. 2026-18 Budget Amendment – Land Information Department PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Vilas County Board of Supervisors amended their 2026 budget according to Res. 2026-18 on March 24, 2026 pursuant to Wis. Stat. §65.90(5), to include the following increases and/or decreases to the expenditure and revenue line items: WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) has modified the requirements for making funds available to the Land Information Department through the Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) GIS grant; and WHEREAS, the Land Information Department needs to amend their 2026 budget to allow for completion of a budgeted, but now grant-ineligible, LiDAR Viewer project in 2026 using non-levy Land Information Program funds without grant aid; and WHEREAS, the Land Information Department needs to amend their 2026 budget to allow for completion of a new grant-eligible Addressing GIS Data Remediation project in 2026; and WHEREAS, completion of the data remediation project is expected to make additional and more-flexible NG9-1-1 GIS grant funding available to the County in coming years; and WHEREAS, the Land Information Committee recommends that the Land Information Department’s 2026 Land Information Program budget be amended to allow for the increased/decreased revenue and to authorize a corresponding increase/decrease in expenditures as shown below: Revenue or Line Item No. Description Expense Amount Revenue 100.22.43690 Grant for LiDAR Viewer -$10,450.00 Expense 100.22.51735.0210 Addressing GIS Data Remediation +$30,217.00 Revenue 100.22.43690 Grant for Addr. GIS Data Remed. +$28,706.00 Revenue 100.22.49100 Applied Funds +$11,961.00 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vilas County Board of Supervisors in session this 24th day of March, 2026, that the Board hereby approves amending the 2026 budget as set forth above and the Finance Director is directed to record such information in the official books of the County for the year ending December 31, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk is instructed to publish a Class 1 notice within 10 days of these amendments informing the public of these particular changes. SUBMITTED BY: Land Information Committee s/Dan Kramer, Chair s/Patrick Weber, Vice-Chair Marvin Anderson s/Robert Hanson s/Dan Swiecichowski Motion by D. Kramer, seconded by P. Weber to adopt. Administrator Adam Grassl presented the resolution. Discussion. All voted aye (M. Anderson was not present). Carried. M. Anderson returned to the meeting at 11:05 a.m. RES. 2026-19 Amendment of Standing Rules and Committee Duties for Vilas County • 3/4 Majority Vote Necessary PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Vilas County Board of Supervisors amended the Standing Rules: Motion by L. Edwards, seconded by J. Muehlbach to adopt. Assistant Corporation Counsel Nicholas George presented the resolution. Discussion. The Board reviewed the potential updates to the Standing Rules. Motion to amend 5a. of the attachment by C. Ritter, seconded by J. Muehlbach. Standing Rules XIII Public Health Board #6 would read: “The Vilas County Board of Health shall hire and supervise the local health department staff. The Board shall hire the Health Officer, subject to appointment by the County Board Chairman. It shall employ qualified public health professionals, including a public health nurse to conduct general public health nursing programs under the direction of this Board.” All voted aye on the amendment. Amendment carried. Discussion. Motion to amend 1d. of the attachment by J. Muehlbach, seconded by H. Tomlanovich. Standing Rules 7.00 Miscellaneous #1 would read: “The County Board shall by resolution establish the hours which the County Offices, except the Court’s, shall be open to the public. Department Heads shall have the discretion in adjusting employee’s work hours during the hours County Offices, except the Court’s, are open to the public. The adjustment must be cost neutral. ” 16 voted aye on the amendment, 1 voted nay (M. MacKenzie). Amendment carried. Discussion. All voted aye on the amended resolution attachment brought forward. Carried. CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTMENTS Approve 2026 DNR Fire Warden List: Town of Boulder Junction: • Krista Maurer – Knitt’s Hardware Hank, P.O. Box 327, Boulder Junction City of Eagle River: • Kim Olkowski – Vilas County Clerk, 330 Court Street, Eagle River • Robert Rak – U.S. Forest Service, 1247 E. Wall Street, Eagle River Town of St. Germain: • Kent Knitt – Knitt’s Hardware Hank, 246 Highway 70, St. Germain Motion by M. Anderson, seconded by D. Kramer to approve the DNR Fire Warden List. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. ADRC Nutrition Advisory Council Member – Appointee : • Pauline (Pam) Cira Motion D. Kramer, seconded by T. Petrusky to appoint. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. Public Health Child Death Review Team – Appointee: • Karly Steinhage Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by L. Edwards to appoint. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Board – Appointee : • Ann Konopacky – County Board Supervisor District 5 Motion by H. Tomlanovich, seconded by P. Weber to appoint. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. Vilas County Civil Service Commission – Appointees: • Bill Hassey – appoint for a three-year term ending January 2028 • Sig Hjemvick – appoint for a three-year term ending January 2028 Motion by D. Kramer, seconded by P. Weber to appoint. Discussion. All voted aye. Carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Vice-Chair Ritter stated that there are three supervisors that are retiring effective April 20, 2026. She acknowledged them and thanked them for their service. Those who are retiring are Arthur Kunde, Arleen Harsvick, and Jacob Postuchow. There was a round of applause. She also thanked everyone from Chair Burkett. COMMITTEE REPORTS Public Property Committee: J. Muehlbach reported that the Facilities & Maintenance Department have filled the Maintenance Technician position and the technician started in the beginning of March. They are moving from being reactive to proactive in the Maintenance Department. Highway Committee: P. Weber stated that the County Highway E paving project has been awarded to Pitlik & Wick. It is a 3-mile section. Veterans Service Commission: M. Anderson stated that the Veterans Service Officer and Assistant Veterans Service Officer positions have been re-evaluated. Human Services Board: M. Anderson stated that he is very pleased with the department, leadership, and hiring. Economic Development & Tourism Committee: C. Ritter stated that the Town of Land O Lakes have received a Thrive Grant. Public Health Board: C. Ritter stated that they are busy and are promoting good health practices. Human Resources Committee: C. Ritter stated that Kris Braynack will be retiring on May 1st and thanked her for the work she has done over the years. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): D. Kramer stated that the data gathering has been completed. They are waiting for suggestions and see where they are at. He complimented the teams and departments for their hard work on the project. North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board: A. Konopacky stated that they are doing some rebranding. She asked fellow supervisors to let her know about jobs and businesses that could be brought to the board. LETTERS AND COMMUNICATIONS – None. NEXT MEETING DATE The next Regular Meeting of the County Board is scheduled for 9:00 A.M, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the County Board Conference rooms. MILEAGE AND PER DIEM Motion by M. Anderson, seconded by D. Kramer, to pay mileage and per diem for this meeting. All voted aye. Carried. Please contact the County Clerk’s office for mileage and per diem payment information. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Ritter adjourned the meeting at 11:32 A.M. Prepared and submitted by: Kimberly A. Olkowski, Vilas County Clerk Minutes reflect the recorder's notations and are subject to future revision and approval by the Vilas County Board. WNAXLP