Douglas County, WI

Forest, Parks & Recreation Committee

The Douglas County Forest, Parks & Recreation Committee will review the proposed 2027 budget, including a $4.66 million forestry budget and personnel costs, and consider property acquisitions in the Towns of Bennett and Wascott. The committee will also discuss a property expense reimbursement policy for the Fairgrounds and Speedway and re-designate 2026 capital improvement project funding. Informational updates include the forest carbon project and county forest certification audit.

• 2027 Budget Review: Forestry budget proposed at $4,663,855, up 5.91% from 2026
• Town of Bennett Property Acquisition: includes release of capital reserve funding and County Forest Law entry application
• Town of Wascott Property Withdrawal and Exchange: includes property exchange and County Forest Law entry application
• Fairgrounds and Speedway Property Expense Reimbursement Policy
• Re-designate 2026 Capital Improvement Project Funding

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

Administration Committee

Zoning Committee

The Douglas County Planning & Zoning Committee holds a public hearing and regular meeting to consider a repeal and re-creation of the county floodplain zoning ordinance, a zone change petition, two conditional-use permits for campgrounds, and nine updates to non-metallic mine reclamation plans. The committee will also review proposed 2027 budgets for several departments and receive reports on permit volume and staffing.

• Repeal & re-create Douglas County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance 8.3
• Petition 26-8: Larry & Barbara Roecker zone change from F-1 Forestry to R-2 Residential, Town of Highland
• Andrew & Danielle Hudacek conditional-use for small-scale campground (8 RV sites, 8 cabins, 3 bathhouses), 4705 E Tri Lakes Rd, Town of Oakland
• Joshawa Essen revision of conditional-use permit #29342 for campground layout, 11197 S US Highway 53, Town of Solon Springs
• 9 reclamation plan updates for non-metallic mines, including operators Alliance Steel, Douglas County Highway Dept, Solon Springs Concrete, Lake Effect Construction, Steve Balcsik

Public Safety Committee

The Douglas County Public Safety Committee will hear updates from multiple departments, review proposed 2027 budgets for 12 departments, and consider six new ordinances covering parking, phone misuse, computer misuse, loitering, golf carts, and theft. The meeting also includes informational items on Flock Safety camera usage and transparency procedures for elected officials.

• Proposed 2027 budgets for Child Support, Circuit Court Branches I & II, Clerk of Courts, Court Commissioner, District Attorney, Emergency Management, Communications Center, Medical Examiner, Probate, Sheriff Patrol and Jail divisions
• New ordinance 4.32B: Restrictions on Stopping and Parking Within Douglas County
• New ordinance 4.34B: Unlawful Use of Telephone
• New ordinance 4.34C: Unlawful Use of Computerized Communication Systems
• New ordinance 4.XX: Prohibition of Loitering and/or Prowling

Board of Adjustment

The Douglas County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on August 26, 2026, to consider two area variances requested by James & Kimberly Brandser for a property at 10714 S Tracy Rd in the Town of Solon Springs. The variances would allow construction of a dwelling addition and a deck within the 75-foot setback from Upper St Croix Lake, and the deck also within the 10-foot side lot line setback. The board will decide whether to approve these requests.

• Area variance for dwelling addition within 75-ft setback of Upper St Croix Lake
• Area variance for deck within 75-ft lake setback and 10-ft side lot line setback
• Property: S-1/2 Lot 6 & all Lot 7, Blk 9, St Croix Beach, 10714 S Tracy Rd, Solon Springs
• Public hearing scheduled for 10:00 a.m., August 26, 2026, Government Center Room 201

Land & Development Committee

The Land and Development Committee will review 2027 budget requests totaling $139,500 for the Development Association, Historical Society, and 4H. A key item is a request to designate $59,500 from the Exodus Reserve to support small businesses during the Blatnik Bridge closure. The committee will also discuss the potential division of a Parkland industrial park parcel and updates on tax deed properties.

• Request to designate $59,500 from the Exodus Reserve for small business support during the Blatnik Bridge closure
• Development Association request for $30,000 in 2027 operating funds
• Douglas County Historical Society request for $25,000 in 2027 funding
• 4H request for $25,000 in 2027 funding
• Discussion of potential division of acreage for Parkland industrial park parcel 10-810-08500-00

Committee of the Whole

The Douglas County Board of Supervisors will hold its annual planning meeting to review the county's mission, financial overview, and challenges and projections for 2027. No formal action will be taken; the meeting is for discussion and planning. The agenda includes a review of the 2026 budget and tax levy, as well as department-level challenges and opportunities for the coming year.

• Review of 2026 tax levy and projections for 2027, including a proposed 10% increase in health insurance premiums
• Discussion of 2027 position additions, including two CLTS Social Worker/Case Managers and an Environmental Health Specialist
• Challenges include rising personnel costs, stagnant revenue, and funding uncertainties for emergency management
• Opportunities include a compensation study, new permitting software, and a groundwater atlas project
• No formal action will be taken; meeting is for planning and discussion

County Board

The Douglas County Board will vote on a zoning ordinance amendment, four land sale resolutions, and a new Generative AI use policy. They will also hear reports on UW-Extension services, county finances, and several federal habeas corpus petitions filed against a county official.

• Zone change for 11783 S Estway Rd, Solon Springs from C-1 Commercial to RR-1 Residential Recreational
• Land sale to Matthew and Deanna Eserhut for $22,050 (Town of Superior)
• Land sale to Dalbec Sport & Cycle LLC for $2,025 (Superior)
• Land sale to New York Avenue Properties LLC for $18,000 (Superior)
• Resolution approving 2026 Surface Water Grant

Extension, Education & Recycling Commitee

The Douglas County Extension, Education & Recycling Committee will consider the 2027 Extension Department budget proposal and hear a report on recycling container contamination fees. Staff reports will cover Extension staffing updates, 4-H programs, and office support. The meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Government Center Boardroom.

• 2027 Extension Department Budget Proposal (action item)
• Recycling container contamination fees report (totals $4,218 since 2023)
• Extension staffing update: resignation of Tracy Henegar, vacancy to be filled
• 4-H camp and program updates, including upcoming Outpost Camp
• Youth Mental Health First Aid training for Solon Springs staff

The Extension, Education & Recycling Committee approved the 2027 Extension Department budget proposal as presented and referred it to the Administration Committee. The committee also approved the minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the remaining items were informational reports.

• Approved 2027 Extension budget proposal and referred to Administration Committee
• Approved minutes from June 17, 2026 meeting

DCRLF Board Executive Committee

The Douglas County Revolving Loan Fund Executive Board will meet virtually to approve minutes and consider a $25,000 loan request from JLKnutson Properties, LLC. The board may discuss the loan in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes, then reconvene in open session to take action. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with roll call and future agenda items.

• JLKnutson Properties, LLC loan request of $25,000
• Possible closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e)
• Approval of December 15, 2025 minutes
• Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams or call-in

The Douglas County Revolving Loan Fund Executive Board approved a $25,000 loan to JLKnutson Properties, LLC for rehabilitating an existing building in the Town of Gordon into a rental space and bar/restaurant. The loan carries a 5.5% interest rate, 60-month term, and 120-month amortization, with automatic payments and a personal guarantee. The board also approved the minutes of the December 15, 2025 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $25,000 loan to JLKnutson Properties, LLC (5.5% rate, 60-month term, 120-month amortization, automatic payments, personal guarantee)
• Approved minutes of December 15, 2025 meeting

Department Managers

The Douglas County Department Managers will meet to review challenges and opportunities, discuss the 2026 budget process, and receive updates from individual departments. This is a routine administrative meeting with no formal decisions scheduled.

The department managers meeting was largely informational, with no formal votes or decisions taken. Key updates included the upcoming County Board vote on the Challenges and Opportunities priorities on August 20, the schedule for 2026 budget meetings, and the planned presentation of a new AI Policy to the County Board this month. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

• Updated Challenges and Opportunities PowerPoint to be presented to County Board on Aug. 20 for vote on priorities
• Budget meetings scheduled with Finance Director and County Administrator over coming weeks
• HR to bring new AI Policy to County Board this month for approval
• Land Services plans to bring new floodplain ordinance to Zoning Committee on Sept. 9
• IT accepting bids for phone system upgrades

Administration Committee

The Douglas County Administration Committee will meet to review departmental financial reports and goals, consider action items such as an audit report and policy changes, and discuss informational items including American Rescue Plan Act funding and a formal policy complaint from the Sheriff. The committee will not take County Board action but will refer items for further consideration.

• Audit Report review
• Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Use Policy consideration
• County Aid to Bridges – Policy Change referral from Transportation and Infrastructure
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding discussion
• Formal Policy Complaint from Sheriff Izzard

The Douglas County Administration Committee approved the 2025 audit report, a policy change to include a new state bridge replacement program, a Generative AI Use Policy, and budgetary transfers. All items were approved unanimously and referred to the County Board for final action. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2025 Audit report as presented (unanimous)
• Approved policy change to include new WisDOT bridge replacement program in County Aid to Bridges policy, referred to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, referred to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved budgetary transfers, referred to County Board (unanimous)

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

The Douglas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will meet to approve past minutes, receive updates on Treatment Court and Pathways to Hope, and take action on selecting 2027 meeting dates, reviewing membership change processes, and approving a Treatment Alternatives and Diversion grant application.

• Approve minutes from May 20, 2026 meeting
• Pick 2027 meeting dates
• Review membership change process to remove members
• Approve Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) grant application
• Form subcommittee for Warrant Resolution Day (Spring 2027) under Goal #1

The Douglas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council approved the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) grant application, with Chair White writing a letter of approval. The council also approved the May 20, 2026 minutes and set 2027 meeting dates. No other substantive decisions were made; items like membership review and future goals were discussed but not finalized.

• Approved TAD grant application (motion carried)
• Approved May 20, 2026 minutes (motion carried)
• Set 2027 meeting dates to continue as previously scheduled (first quarterly)

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

The Douglas County Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will meet on August 5, 2026, to decide on two key items: a policy change to include the Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) in the 2027 County Aid to Bridges request, and a resolution to approve recommended changes to the rural functional classification system for roads. The committee will also receive informational updates on highway utility permit fees and departmental reports on projects, staffing, maintenance, equipment, and budget.

• 2027 County Aid to Bridges request with proposed LSSIP inclusion (up to 90% state cost share)
• Functional Classification Resolution for rural roads (affects federal funding eligibility)
• Highway Utility Permit Fee informational review
• Projects Update – Highway Road and Bridge projects
• Budget report for Highway Department

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the 2027 County Aid to Bridges request for the Town of Gordon in the amount of $8,015, to be reimbursed in 2028, and referred it to the Administration Committee and County Board. The committee also unanimously approved a Functional Classification Resolution with no changes to the current map, referring it to the County Board. A $50 highway utility permit fee was recommended, with a resolution to come at the next meeting.

• Approved $8,015 County Aid to Bridges request for Town of Gordon, referred to Administration Committee and County Board (unanimous)
• Approved Functional Classification Resolution, referred to County Board (unanimous)
• Recommended $50 highway utility permit fee; resolution to come next meeting

Children's Community Options Program

The Children’s Community Options Program Advisory Committee will meet to approve the 2027 program plan. The committee will also review the program budget, bylaws, and procedures guide.

• Approval of the 2027 Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP) Plan
• Review of CCOP Budget
• Review of CCOP Procedures Guide
• Discussion of committee bylaws
• Approval of March 11, 2026 meeting minutes

The Douglas County Children's Community Options Program Advisory Committee approved the 2027 CCOP Plan with added language to Question #18. The committee also approved the minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting. Informational items included a program update noting 180 children served as of June 2026, and ongoing work on bylaws and membership recruitment.

• Approved 2027 CCOP Plan with added language to Question #18 (motion carried)
• Approved minutes from March 11, 2026 meeting (motion carried)

Public Safety Committee

The committee will discuss and potentially act on a wide range of amendments, repeals, and new ordinances within Chapter 4. The meeting also includes departmental updates from public safety and judicial agencies, including a body cam update from the Sheriff's Patrol Division.

• Proposed new ordinances for Loitering and/or Prowling, Operation of Golf Carts on County Highways, and Theft of Property
• Proposed repeals of the Dance Hall Ordinance, Sale of Alcohol Beverages to Intoxicated Persons, and the Douglas County Parking Ordinance
• Proposed new titles for ordinances regarding Fireworks, Retail Theft, and Harassment
• Proposed new ordinances for Unlawful Use of Telephone and Unlawful Use of Computerized Communication Systems
• Review of ordinance 4.32B regarding Restrictions on Stopping and Parking Within Douglas County

The Douglas County Public Safety Committee approved a large package of Chapter 4 ordinance amendments and repeals, all referred to the Administration Committee. The package includes new titles for several ordinances, such as 'Endangering Safety by use of a Dangerous Weapon' and 'Regulation of Fireworks', and repeals of outdated ordinances like the Dance Hall Ordinance. A motion to refer all new ordinances to a future meeting for additional review failed due to a higher precedence motion. Several agenda items were noted as incorrectly listed and not revised.

• Approved Chapter 4 ordinance amendments (4.005, 4.01, 4.02A, 4.02B, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, 4.24, 4.25, 4.26, 4.27, 4.29, 4.30, 4.32, 4.33A, 4.33B, 4.33C, 4.34A, 4.35, 4.36, 4.37, 4.38) - all unanimous, referred to Administration Committee
• Approved repeal of ordinances 4.10, 4.17, 4.23, 4.37 - all unanimous, referred to Administration Committee
• Approved new ordinance 4.32B (Restrictions on Stopping and Parking) - unanimous, referred to Administration Committee
• Motion to refer all new ordinances to future meeting failed due to higher precedence motion
• Noted items 4.16, 4.28, 4.31A, 4.31B, 4.38 as incorrectly listed on agenda, not revised
• Referred new ordinances 4.34B, 4.34C, 4.XX, 4.XXX, 4.XXXX in a previous motion

Land & Development Committee

The committee will open bids for three specific land parcels and discuss the development potential of a Parkland industrial park parcel. Other agenda items include a review of the Land Improvement Account fund balance and wetland mitigation status.

• Bid 10-26: Lots 273 and 275, E 12th St, City of Superior (Min bid: $1,500)
• Bid 11-26: Lots 279, 281, 283, 285, and 287, E 12th St, City of Superior (Min bid: $4,000)
• Bid 12-26: Lot 47, Block 2, Oliver Bridge Division, Village of Oliver (Min bid: $1,500)
• Discussion on Parkland industrial park parcel 10-810-08500-00 division and development
• Proposed policy change to allow referral of high bids from Chair and County Clerk to County Board

The Land & Development Committee accepted high bids for three parcels in Superior and Oliver to be forwarded to the County Board. The committee also established minimum bid amounts for seven additional requested bids. A proposal to change the bid referral policy was rejected, with the committee opting to maintain current review procedures.

• Approved high bids for BID 10-26 ($6,075), BID 11-26 ($8,075), and BID 12-26 ($6,075) (Unanimous)
• Set minimum bids for BID 3-26 ($2,500), BID 4-26 ($1,000), BID 5-26 ($1,500), BID 6-26 ($1,000), BID 7-26 ($1,500), BID 8-26 ($500), and BID 13-26 ($6,500)
• Decided to leave policy as is regarding the review of land bids
• Approved minutes from June 30, 2026

Libraries Committee

The Douglas County Libraries Committee will meet to decide on updates to the County Library Service Plan and the 2027 Douglas County Library Service Agreement with Northern Waters Library Services (NWLS). The committee will also review budget and usage reports for the Superior Public Library and NWLS.

• Douglas County Library Service Plan Updates
• NWLS 2027 Douglas County Library Service Agreement
• Superior Public Library (SPL) current budget review
• NWLS Resource Library Agreement
• County Library Use Statistics for the previous year

The committee approved updates to the Douglas County Library Service Plan and the NWLS 2027 Douglas County Library Service Agreement, which includes an increased service fee. Several informational reports regarding budgets, statistics, and library agreements were reviewed.

• Approved Douglas County Library Service Plan updates (Motion carried)
• Approved NWLS 2027 Douglas County Library Service Agreement with increased service fee (Motion carried)
• Approved minutes from July 16, 2025 meeting (Motion carried)

Land & Water Conservation Committee

The Land and Water Conservation Committee will act on a resolution authorizing the department to apply for Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grants for 2027, covering education, invasive species prevention, and restoration projects. Informational items include updates on surface water programs, an agricultural technician report, conservation engineering personnel, the Environmental Reserve Fund balance, and a discussion on how data centers may affect water and the environment.

• Resolution authorizing 2026 Surface Water Grant applications to WDNR for 2027 grant period
• Environmental Reserve Fund balance update (beginning balance $74,050.13 as of early 2026)
• Discussion on implications of data centers on water and environment
• Surface Waters Program update: 2025–2027 grant funds summary and Big McGraw Lake volunteer event
• Conservation Engineering personnel update

The Land & Water Conservation Committee approved a resolution authorizing the Land Conservationist to apply for Surface Water grants. The committee also discussed the environmental implications of potential data center development in Douglas County.

• Approved 2026 Surface Water Grant Resolution and referred to County Board (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 12, 2026, meeting

Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing to consider a zoning amendment and a conditional-use permit. The body will also receive reports from Planning & Zoning, Land Conservation, and the Register of Deeds.

• Petition No. 26-7: Proposed zone change from C-1 Commercial to RR-1 Residential Recreational for John Meyett at 11783 S Estway Rd, Town of Solon Springs
• Conditional-Use Permit: Proposed new communications tower by The Towers LLC and owners Luke & Kendyl Schulz in the Town of Lakeside
• Review of zone change recommendations for the County Board
• Register of Deeds report on Retained Fees Account

The committee approved a petition to change parcels from commercial to residential recreational zoning. A conditional-use permit for a new communication tower was also approved pending town approval.

• Approved Petition No. 26-7 to change parcels from C-1 Commercial to RR-1 Residential Recreational (unanimous)
• Approved conditional-use permit for The Towers LLC and Luke & Kendyl Schulz for a new communication tower pending town approval
• Approved minutes from the June 10, 2026, meeting

Land & Development Committee

The committee will consider whether to hold the sale of parcels acquired before 2022 that contain significant wetlands for a mitigation program. Members will also review land bids and the cleanup status of a property on East State Highway 13.

• Review of bids for properties including Bid 9-26 ($4,500 minimum), Bid 19-23 ($40,000 minimum), and Bid 3-24 ($1,500 minimum)
• Proposed hold on sale of parcels acquired prior to 2022 with significant wetlands
• Review of cleanup at 10182 E State Highway 13
• Right of entry request for parcel 10-810-08500-00
• Discussion on potential division or development of Parkland industrial park parcel 10-810-08500-00

The Land & Development Committee approved three high bids for land parcels to be forwarded to the County Board. The committee also established a policy to hold the sale of specific wetland parcels for future mitigation and set minimum bids for three new appraisals.

• Accepted $22,050 high bid for BID 19-23 (Town of Superior) and forwarded to County Board
• Approved $2,025 high bid for BID 3-24 (City of Superior) and forwarded to County Board
• Accepted $18,000 high bid for BID 9-26 (City of Superior) and forwarded to County Board
• Directed County Clerk's office to hold sale of parcels 20+ acres with 75% or more wetlands
• Confirmed cleanup requirements for 10182 E State Highway 13 were completed
• Approved Minnesota Power right of entry request for parcel 10-810-08500-00 contingent on amendments and Corporation Counsel review
• Set minimum bids for BID 10-26 ($1,500), BID 11-26 ($4,000), and BID 12-26 ($1,500)

Board of Adjustment

The Douglas County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to discuss a requested area variance. The board is deciding whether to allow an access driveway closer than 300 feet to another driveway on a Class B Highway.

• Area Variance #26-4: Request by Jeremy Moe for an access driveway on County Road U in the Town of Amnicon

The Board of Adjustment approved an area variance for Jeremy Moe to install an access driveway within 300 feet of an existing driveway on County Road U. The board determined that a physical limitation of the property created an unnecessary hardship.

• Approved April 22, 2026, minutes
• Approved area variance for Jeremy Moe to allow access driveway within 300 feet of existing driveway on County Road U (3-0-1)

County Board

The County Board of Supervisors will consider approving the 2026 Capital Projects list and amendments to the county zoning ordinance. The board will also discuss the use of opioid settlement funds for peer respite and needle disposal.

• 2026 Capital Projects including $150,000 for Treasurer’s Office security and $200,000 for Zoning Office security
• Zoning change for 7972 E KB Dr, Town of Amnicon, from R-1 to R-2 for a hobby farm and home business
• Use of opioid settlement funds for Hope Haven Peer Respite and Safe Needle Disposal for City Parks
• Resolution #20-26 authorizing the issuance of tax deeds
• Approval of year-end 2025 carryover and reserves

The County Board approved a comprehensive capital projects budget totaling $2,984,236 for 2026. Other key actions included zoning changes for a hobby farm, the authorization of tax deeds, and the allocation of opioid settlement funds.

• Approved 2026 Capital Projects totaling $2,984,236 (17-0)
• Adopted Zoning Ordinance #8.0 amendment for 7972 E KB Dr to change from R-1 to R-2 for a hobby farm and home business
• Approved use of opioid settlement funds for Hope Haven Peer Respite (17-0)
• Approved use of opioid settlement funds for Safe Needle Disposal for City Parks (17-0)
• Authorized issuance of tax deeds for properties with unpaid 2022 taxes
• Approved year end 2025 carryover/reserves (17-0)
• Adopted amendments to County Board Rules of Procedure (Rule #1 and Rule #29)
• Approved amendments to Policies & Procedures Manual regarding closed sessions and audio/video recording

Extension, Education & Recycling Commitee

The Extension, Education & Recycling Committee is reviewing reports on DNR recycling grants and program updates. The body is also receiving updates on 4-H youth programming and behavioral health initiatives.

• 2026 DNR Recycling Grant and 2025 DNR Recycling Annual Report
• Recycling container contamination fees
• Head of the Lakes United Way two-year renewable grant of $10,465 for 4-H
• City of Superior Parks and Recreation grant of $2,499 for 4-H
• Reports on Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention programming

The committee approved the minutes from the April 15, 2026, meeting. Members received reports on recycling grants, contamination fees, and various extension departmental activities. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April 15, 2026 meeting minutes

ADRC Advisory Committee

The Aging and Disability Resource Center Advisory Committee will meet to review updates to its bylaws. The body will also receive updates on staffing, the budget, and board membership.

• Review of Bylaws updates
• Staffing update
• Budget update
• Review of new membership application mitigation process
• Board report including 2026 ADRC Scope of Service

The meeting scheduled for June 10, 2026, was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. No decisions were made.

Zoning Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing to consider zoning amendments and several conditional-use permits. The body will also discuss department reports and a resolution regarding local control for Wisconsin counties.

• Petition No. 26-5: Zone change from R-1 to R-2 for 7972 E KB Dr, Town of Amnicon
• Conditional-use permits for a hobby farm and equine psychotherapy at 7972 E KB Dr
• Conditional-use permit for a gunsmith home occupation at 11074 E Lund Rd, Town of Maple
• Revision to extend communications tower height at 7503 E Bayfield Rd, Town of Amnicon
• Conditional-use permit renewals for four non-metallic mines in Summit, Brule, and Solon Springs

The committee approved a zone change for a hobby farm and home business, along with several conditional-use permits for home occupations and non-metallic mines. It also approved a resolution requesting greater local control over large-scale wind and solar projects. A request to waive an after-the-fact fee was granted.

• Approved zone change from R-1 to R-2 for Justin & Sarah Quetico (unanimous)
• Approved conditional-use permits for Justin & Sarah Quetico (Hobby Farm and Equine Assisted Learning & Psychotherapy)
• Approved conditional-use permit for Joseph Markon/Richard Lange (Gunsmith)
• Approved communication tower height revision for Tillman Infrastructure/Richard Lange
• Approved three non-metallic mine permit renewals for Douglas County Highway Department
• Approved non-metallic mine permit renewal for Lake Effect Construction LLC with further review scheduled for October
• Approved waiver of after-the-fact fee for Timothy and Mindy Rouse
• Approved resolution for greater local county control over wind and solar projects (unanimous)

Forest, Parks & Recreation Committee

The Forest, Parks & Recreation Committee will open and read timber sale bids. The body will also consider requests for event use of a county park and the installation of a safety kiosk.

• Opening and reading of timber sale bids
• Canoe Race Event use request for Gordon Dam County Park by Wiscons in Canoe Racing Association
• Life Jacket Kiosk installation request at Lucius Woods County Park by St. Croix Headwaters Foundation
• Update on the Gordon Dam Repair Project (WDNR Municipal Dam Grant)
• Update on Timber Sale #4714

The committee approved a request for the Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association to use Gordon Dam County Park for an event on July 11, 2026. It also authorized the St. Croix Headwaters Foundation to install a life jacket kiosk at Lucius Woods County Park at no cost to the county. Additionally, the committee voted to accept the highest qualified bids for timber sales.

• Approved minutes from March 10, 2026 meeting
• Approved Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association request to use Gordon Dam County Park as race headquarters (Motion carried)
• Approved St. Croix Headwaters Foundation request to donate and install a life jacket kiosk at Lucius Woods County Park (Motion carried)
• Approved acceptance of high bids for timber sales after review for accuracy and qualifications (Motion carried)

Employee Relations Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss internal staff recognition, breakroom updates, and HR safety and wellness reviews. The session includes reviewing nominations for Employee of the Quarter.

• Employee of the Quarter nomination review and selection
• HR Update and Safety and Wellness Committee Review
• County Line updates for Sheriff Dept. Patrol Division, DA/Victim Witness, and Circuit Courts
• Elections and appointments of new members

The committee discussed employee recognition ideas, scheduled blood drives, and planned a holiday party for January 15, 2027. HR provided updates on staffing levels, upcoming software 'go live' dates, and the status of compensation and vacation benefit studies.

• Scheduled blood drives for 07/21/2026 and 10/16/2026
• Set holiday party date for 01/15/2027 at The Board Room
• Established Department of the Month schedule from July through November
• Scheduled Workplace Safety Awareness Training for 07/23/2026
• Scheduled DC Picnic for 08/13/2026 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds-Curling Club
• Appointed Dave Sletten, Natasha Schmid, and Laurie Rolstad to the Employee of the Quarter nomination review committee

Joint Administration Executive Committees

Three back-to-back committee meetings will address updates to County Board rules and policies. The body will decide on 2026 Capital Project Fund requests and opioid settlement funding. The Administration Committee will also review departmental financial reports and goals.

• 2026 Capital Project Fund Requests
• Opioid Settlement Funding: Minimum of $190,000 for Hope Haven Peer Respite
• Opioid Settlement Funding: $486.14 for Safe Needle Disposal for City Parks
• Amendments to County Board Rules #1, #29, #39, and #40
• Resolution supporting Wisconsin Shipping Port for Hayward Biofuel Plant

The Administration and Executive Joint Committees approved $2,984,236 in capital project funding to be referred to the County Board. The approval included an amendment to prohibit the use of Sheriff/Patrol funds for fixed position cameras. The approved amount is a portion of total requests exceeding $4.29 million.

• Approved 2026 Capital Project Fund requests of $2,984,236 (unanimous)
• Amended Sheriff/Patrol requests to disallow funding for fixed position cameras (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from the June 5, 2025, meeting

Administration Committee

The Administration and Executive Committees will meet to discuss 2026 Capital Project Fund requests and update County Board rules. The Administration Committee will also review departmental financial reports and opioid settlement funding requests.

• 2026 Capital Project Fund Requests
• Opioid Settlement Funding: Minimum of $190,000 for Hope Haven Peer Respite
• Opioid Settlement Funding: $486.14 for Safe Needle Disposal for City Parks
• Amendments to County Board Rules #1, #29, #39, and #40
• Resolution supporting Wisconsin Shipping Port for Hayward Biofuel Plant

The Administration Committee approved several funding requests from the Opioid Settlement Fund and a series of position reclassifications. The committee also passed resolutions supporting a shipping port for the Hayward Biofuel Plant and statewide cybersecurity funding. All approved items were referred to the County Board.

• Approved new position and reclassification requests (Unanimous)
• Approved $190,000 from Opioid Settlement Fund for Hope Haven Peer Respite (Unanimous)
• Approved $486.14 from Opioid Settlement Fund for safe needle disposal in city parks (Unanimous)
• Approved year-end 2025 carryovers and reserves (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting statewide funding for Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Wisconsin Shipping Port for Hayward Biofuel Plant (Unanimous)
• Approved April 2, 2026, minutes

Executive Committee

Three back-to-back meetings will address amendments to County Board rules and policies, 2026 capital project fund requests, and departmental financial reports. The Administration Committee will also consider opioid settlement funding and resolutions regarding biofuel and information sharing.

• Opioid Settlement Funding: Hope Haven Peer Respite (minimum $190,000) and Safe Needle Disposal for City Parks ($486.14)
• 2026 Capital Project Fund Requests
• Amendments to County Board Rules #1, #29, #39, and #40
• Amendments to County Board Policy & Procedure regarding Closed Sessions and Audio/Video Recording
• Resolution supporting Wisconsin Shipping Port for Hayward Biofuel Plant

The committee approved revisions to rules regarding annual planning and the order of business, as well as policies for meeting recordings and closed sessions. Proposed changes to public comment and virtual meeting attendance rules were denied.

• Approved revision to Rule #1 regarding annual planning meeting (unanimous)
• Approved revision to Rule #29 regarding order of business (unanimous)
• Denied revision to Rule #39 regarding public comment
• Denied amendment to Rule #40 regarding virtual meeting attendance (6-1)
• Approved amendments to recording of meetings policy (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to closed sessions policy (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 6, 2024 meeting

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will meet to discuss a proposed policy change regarding the County Aide to Bridges. The body will also review the County ATV/UTV Ordinance and receive departmental reports on budget, staffing, and highway projects.

• Proposed policy change for County Aide to Bridges
• Review of County ATV/UTV Ordinance
• Highway Road and Bridge projects update
• Budget report

The committee approved a request to include the Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) in the Douglas County Aid to Bridges Policy. This program allows for state cost shares of up to 90% for improving deteriorating small structure crossings. The item was referred to Administration and the County Board.

• Approved April 1, 2026, minutes
• Approved request to include Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) in Douglas County Aid to Bridges Policy and referred to Administration and County Board (unanimous)

Land & Development Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the issuance of tax deeds and the donation of specific land parcels. The session also includes land bid openings and a review of the Land Improvement Account fund balance.

• Resolution authorizing issuance of tax deeds
• Land donation for parcels TS-030-02389-00, 02530-00, 02532-00, and 02536-00
• Land bid openings
• Review of Land Improvement Account fund balance

The Land & Development Committee approved a request for the donation of four land parcels and a resolution to issue tax deeds, forwarding both to the County Board. The committee also set minimum bids for two properties and deferred several other bids for future wetland mitigation discussions.

• Approved donation of parcels TS-030-02389-00, 02530-00, 02532-00, and 02536-00 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing issuance of tax deeds (unanimous)
• Set minimum bid for BID 9-26 at $4,500
• Set minimum bid for BID 19-23 at $40,000
• Referred bids 3-26 and 4-26 to a future meeting for wetland mitigation discussion
• Referred bids 5-26 through 8-26 to a future meeting for wetland mitigation discussion
• Approved March 31, 2026 minutes