Anna Cooke

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and deliberation on appeals requiring special exception permits. Key discussions centered on Petition SEP-25-17, concerning the continued operation of a non-metallic mining site in the Town of Ironton, which was unanimously granted with specified staff conditions. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved Petition SEP-25-18, authorizing the operation of a lodging house in the Town of Baraboo, subject to staff recommendations and conditions.

The Land Resources and Extension Committee meeting addressed departmental reports and the approval of associated vouchers for Land Records, Register of Deeds, and Extension Education. Key discussions included the presentation of the Register of Deeds Department 2025 Year End Report. In Land Resources and Environment matters, an update on the WI River Recreation Bridge construction was provided, vouchers were approved, and there was a presentation on the Chapter 26 Parcel Prioritization Project. Furthermore, the committee approved the first amendment to the Developer's Agreement for Plat of Bluffview Village and approved a conditional use permit and easement removal for a Planned Rural Development (PRD) lot for Kevin Greenwood in the Town of Greenfield. The committee also received updates from the Economic Development Committee regarding grant reports and redevelopment planning for the UW-Baraboo campus.

The committee adopted the agenda. The primary discussion and action item involved approving a resolution to designate Attoles Law, s.c., as performing certain duties of Corporation Counsel as the need arises under Wis. Stat. 59.42(3), based on a previously approved engagement letter. The meeting adjourned shortly after this action.

The primary focus of the meeting was the consideration of grant awards and the development of recommendations for Arts and Historic Preservation applications. The panel reviewed and ranked eleven grant applications, scoring each based on evaluation criteria. Key discussions included the strengths, weaknesses, and specific recommendations for funding levels for applicants such as Badger History Group, Inc., Friends of Devils Lake, Reedsburg Historical Society, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library, River Valley Commons, Sauk Prairie Area Chamber, Summit Players Theatre, and Witwen Concerts. Recommendations often centered on enhancing marketing strategies, clarifying budgets, ensuring local community engagement, and strengthening implementation plans.

The Finance, Personnel & Insurance Committee meeting agenda primarily focuses on budgetary adjustments and policy discussions. Key business items include a discussion and potential action to approve a resolution amending the 2026 budget to accept $100,000 in State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Suicide Prevention Initiatives Grant funding, budget amendments for the Sheriff's Office grant funds for drug trafficking, acceptance of Multi-Discharge Variance Funding, consideration of gifts received in 2025, and authorization of elected official salaries for the 2027-2030 term. Other discussions involve policy development procedures, holiday pay policy options, county budget planning, and a review of per diem and mileage payments to County Board members. The committee updates include carrying forward funds for the Personnel and Insurance Department, along with the presentation of various annual and monthly departmental financial reports from the Personnel and Insurance, Treasurer's, and Accounting Departments.