July 16, 2026 PORT WING TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES (Draft)

July 16, 2026

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Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm, by Chair, Scott Jardine. Present were Scott Jardine, Ken Bodeen, Carri Hoagland, Pam Holt, Nora Tribys Brett Bodeen, Troy Kavajecz, Sam Kurland, Tygar Leveque, Sheila Bergman, Leann Hess, Sharon Graham, Marge Ogren, Larry Fickbohm and Judy Lundquist. Motion was made to accept the meeting minutes from 6-8-26 by Carri Hoagland, second by Ken Bodeen. All in favor. Motion was made by Ken Bodeen, second by Carri Hoagland to accept the June 2026 Treasurer. All in favor.

• Citizen’s Input –

o Planning Committee. Sharon Graham – Committee has been doing research on the sewer system. Would like someone from the Panning committee be added to the Sewer Grant Committee. Sharon suggested we reach out to Tammy Baldwin’s office for funding assistance. Concern over accessibility of the sewer pipe placement map for the town. EMS meeting is coming up and will be attending. Discussed placement/installation of solar bench at the harbor. Requested additional picnic tables at the harbor. Problem with garbage cans and people leaving bags of garbage. Larry Fickbohm suggested removing the garbage cans and have signs stating, “Remove your own garbage”.

o Park Committee/Town Hall.

– Two new toilets will be installed in the old fire hall restrooms soon. Met with DNR at Wheeler Wetlands. Will need volunteers to remove cattails in the fall. Will be going to Beaver Hollow Reserve to see trails, boardwalks, amphitheater, etc. We are still working on making sure the town hall roof gets replaced and the structure is sound. Roof bids will be opened at next Town Board meeting on August 10th. The NW Corner will be “Fixed” once gutters/down spouts are installed to redirect the rainwater. Working on plan for restroom upgrades to be ADA compliant. Acoustic panels for town hall will cost approximately $6,000. We will need to get a scissors lift for cleaning the fans, spot painting and updating light fixtures to LED. We are also going to test for “dead” electrical outlets.

o Teresa Shindling – Addressed town board on sewer status for her property on White Birch. There are several issues with getting town sewer access and requested the ability to install a tank on her parcel. Installing any sort of sewer system on a parcel that is within the sewer district boundaries is against State Statutes. The board would not consider moving the sewer district boundaries.

• Fire Department/EMT. Tygar Leveque – Old Firetruck sold for $2,500. Will put the funds in the Truck Replacement Reserve fund. FEMA grant submitted for air packs. County Board meeting for EMS requirements – missed 108 calls in 2025. Volunteers are aging. We are mandated by the State to have Fire/Ambulance service. Bayfield County is considering contracting Essentia or Ashland Fire, which could cost $1 mill. Need a new contract in place by January 1st

ON GOING BUSINESS:

• Blacktop/Road projects – Ken Bodeen working on grants –finished the reimbursement paperwork on the Grand Avenue project. We received funding for repairing Wisconsin Ave between Helsing and 5th.

• Solar Project –Internet access will be provided by Skylink. The grant will reimburse Port Wing for 3 years of subscription service.

• Roof repairs – Bid opening will be August 10th.

• We met with Enduring Lake Superior Communities on Sewer grant. Helping us with solutions.

• Need to order exercise equipment. The was purchased with the funds we will be receiving from Health & Recreation grant from Bayfield County.

• We need to reach out to John Carlson to establish a relationship for legal representation, if needed.

• QuickBooks add on for Sanitary District meter readings is being reviewed for possible integration into one database for billing.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Recycle contamination – working on a solution.

• Sewer – Septic dumpers – ALL dumping must be from local residents (Port Wing/Orienta). Need to review Bayfield County’s reports to review addresses. Implement Imposing a fine/fee of $100 per 1000 gallons if waste is dumped from someone living outside of Port Wing/Orienta.

ZONING REQUESTS: Reviewed 82985 County Rd A – Self Storage; Robert & M Cecelia Ray; 9040 Beach Rd – Temp travel trailer Sharon Johnson; Tax ID 26071 – logging Jason & Krista Kalen. Motion to approve permit for 8700 Larvick Road Tax ID 39256 by Carri Hoagland, seconded by Ken Bodeen. All in favor.

TOWN CREW REPORT: Sam Kurland and Troy Kavajecz reported – CMAR was submitted. Working on placement of Solar Bench. Will be installed new toilets at old fir hall. Out brushing roads. Rural Water will be here July 29th to discuss sewer issues. Airplane is back up in the park! Maintenance on equipment. Gravel work. Hydrant flushing. Will be attending the class in Drummond. Addressed complaint regarding gravel road conditions. Did not find any major problems. Road shoulder on Bodeen Hill is soft – will put 2” binder down.

Next meeting set for August 10th 2026 at 7pm. Meeting adjourned by Ken Bodeen, second by Carri Hoagland. All in favor.

Respectively Submitted by Pam Lawrenz Holt, Town Clerk