John Barnekow

The meeting included a review of the financial report showing balances across regular and designated funds totaling $50,959.85. Old business discussions covered the status of the Fire Pit (pending parts, expected in spring), the installation of Warming Shed signs by the Town Crew, and the establishment of a $100,000 budget target to develop plans for the Veterans Memorial. Progress was also noted on sound pad installation and upgraded sink installation. New business involved correspondence regarding playground equipment status, a directive for John to secure cost estimates for the asphalt parking lot expansion, and a decision to research costs for exterior and interior perimeter ambient lighting. The committee also requested research for the next meeting regarding the status of voting members versus guests to determine the required quorum.

The meeting addressed public comments regarding the status of Phragmites found near the Joan Green property, suggesting another survey in 2026, and noted that funding for a new DO meter was not secured for 2026. A significant discussion focused on wake boats, where the consensus was to defer action until workable state or county solutions are established, noting ongoing debate regarding setbacks and water depth based on scientific information provided. Additionally, the board considered potentially scheduling a presentation from the Rhinelander Pine Park Historical Center on topics such as Glacial History, CCC camps, or Logging History, contingent on presenter availability and cost. Attendees were reminded to submit information for the annual lake report by the first week of March.

The meeting included updates on several recreational initiatives. For Pioneer Creek Trails, discussion centered on updated signage for cross-country ski trails. Regarding the Conover-Phelps Trail, results from the Economic Impact Report were featured in a local newspaper, and the committee will be represented at three upcoming events; planning is also underway for the 15th Annual Leinie event. The Conover Sno-Buddies reported the best snowmobile season since 2022-23, with high trail volumes and no snowmobile fatalities; two fundraising events were announced. The Vilas Saddle Club reported the start of trail maintenance planning and strong initial equestrian campground reservations. Additionally, the Fatathlon event, featuring a fat tire bike race and cornhole tournament, was noted for the Sucker Springs Single Track Bike Trail.

Procedural business included approving the agenda and approving the minutes from the January 8th, 2026 meeting. Committee reports covered several departments, noting that the Recycling Compactor for the Sanitation Dept. is not working, and the main topic for the Lakes Committee was Wake Boats. New business addressed the acceptance of the sole bid for road work on West Buckatabon, determining that signage at the intersection of Monheim Rd and Hwy 17 must be permitted or removed, and updating committee assignments. Discussions also included attending the WTA meeting, accepting a bid for stormwater permits, and the need to re-bid additional mileage for East Flowage Rd. Further items involved preparing to bid the Portage Creek/Razorback Rd Culvert Replacement, Karl looking into legal information for a private cemetery request, and Kendra contacting the county regarding the newly hired Animal Control Officer. Communications emphasized that residents should maintain clear mailbox visibility during winter. Financial reports, license applications for bartenders and picnics were also reviewed.

Procedural business included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the December 11th, 2025 meeting. Key new business items involved a review and approval of a resolution from Vilas County Forestry, Recreation, and Land Committee concerning a land swap, and approval for a temporary change to the Clerk's Office hours for the subsequent five weeks. The board was also updated on Vilas County's search for a County Wide Animal Control Officer and received an update from the Landfill Venture Group (LVG), including a review of LVG meeting minutes and a written request for financial information sent by Cloverland to LVG.