Katey Abbott

Key discussions included the approval of various vouchers and financial transactions, including payments to Arrow Lift Accessibility, Madeline Sanitary District, New York Times, Norvado Inc, Debbie Knopf, and Rivistas LLC. The Director's Report covered the status of the Rec Program Director Job Posting, the commencement of the elementary downhill ski program, work on the Annual Report, and the ordering of ice skates. Ongoing projects involved a check-in on the Strategic Plan's quarterly goals, which includes program participation evaluation, community program needs assessment, and finalizing next steps for the Skate Park Project grant application. There was also a check-in with the Friends Circle regarding their quarterly tasks.

The meeting included a review of the 2026 Cash Flow Summary, leading to a consensus that the Harbor Commission would need to borrow funds by March 2026, with borrowing options to be detailed in the next agenda. The 2026 winter ferry schedule was approved, confirming no new 7am or 8am trips would be added. A significant discussion resulted in the motion to remove the winter surcharge from the current tariff. Bills totaling $167,566.71 were approved for payment. Future agenda items will include the Build Grant and the borrowing funds request. A segment of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the MIFL Management Contract, which included deliberation in a closed session regarding the purchasing of public properties or investing public funds.

The Town Board meeting included approval of several purchase orders for traffic line painting, cold mix asphalt, and fire number signs. The Board discussed and reached a consensus to draft a contract with the Bayfield School District regarding the use of the MRF Storage Building for school equipment storage during renovations. Key administrative actions involved approving the Budget Summary Report and Resolution #2025-1125 for the Library Levy Exemption. The Board approved the hire of Paul Wilharm as a temporary non-CDL plow truck driver starting January 1st, 2026. The date for the next Regular Town Board Meeting was moved from December 23rd, 2025, to December 22nd, 2025. Approval was granted for town vouchers, alternative claims, and the treasurer's report. Minutes from previous meetings held in October and November 2025 were approved. A purchase order for weight equipment for Emergency Services was approved, with direction given on cost-effective disposal of old equipment. The Board held a closed session to discuss a petition with Ashland County Circuit Court regarding the Ashland County Tax Levy, returning to open session without taking immediate action.

The meeting commenced with public comments, including suggestions regarding meeting start time adjustments and scrutiny of the non-motorized vehicle fee schedule. Administrative reports from various departments were placed on file by unanimous consent. Key actions taken by the Town Board included the approval of Resolution #2025-1209 to establish a Madeline Island Child Care Task Force and the approval of Resolution #2025-1209 B to appoint election inspectors. The 2026 Schedule of Fees was approved with an amendment to the commercial non-motorized fee, and the 2026 contract with Big Water Apparatus was also approved. Town vouchers totaling $26,005.53 were approved for payment. The Fire Department received approval for a Purchase Order of $1,980.00 for tire replacement on a tanker. Later public comments addressed potential conflicts of interest regarding a board supervisor's appointment to the Plan Commission and concerns about funding the newly established childcare task force. An update confirmed no new information regarding the Ashland County Tax Levy petition was available. The Board adjourned at 5:08 PM.

The meeting covered administrative reports, including placing the Town Administrator's report on file. Public Works items approved included hiring a temporary non-CDL plow driver and approving a purchase order for glass crusher repair at the MRF. The Board also authorized the Airport Manager to sign an ATP Grant Application. Committee actions included approving the Harbor Commission Budget. Under Town Hall Administration, the Board approved the budget summary report, established alternative methods for providing legal notice (Resolution #2025-1222A), approved the 2026 Schedule of Fees (Resolution #2025-1222B), and approved the town compensation resolution (Resolution #2025-1222) with two corrections regarding Town Plan Commission member compensation and Emergency Transports language. A modification to the personnel policy increasing comp time from 80 to 120 hours was approved, as was a Use Agreement for MRF property with Bayfield School District. Action on the Winter Transportation Agreement was deferred. Finally, the Board approved vouchers, alternative claims, and the treasurer's report, and approved minutes from previous meetings held in November and December 2025. A temporary "Class B" Picnic License for the 2026 Madeline Island Marathon was also approved.