Ken Bodeen

The board discussed harbor maintenance and lease renewal, town hall cleanup, park improvements including the acceptance of a solar bench, and the submission of an AARP grant for acoustic upgrades. The board reviewed fire department hose testing, ongoing road grant projects, and upcoming solar project construction. New business included exploring an outdoor exercise equipment grant, addressing structural issues with the town hall roof, and discussing a potential ordinance for minimum dwelling square footage. The meeting also included zoning request reviews and a town crew report on facility maintenance and operations.

The meeting included reports from the Planning Committee, which plans to report accomplishments and the 2026 plan next time, and the Park Committee/Town Hall, noting local kids working on community promotion videos and the need for a custom vent hood for the town hall kitchen, potentially using a Public Facilities block grant. The Fire Department reported responding to an unattended fire and the necessity to retire the #2 Fire Truck due to pump failure, suggesting the purchase of a used tanker/pumper. Ongoing business covered work on blacktop projects and the solar project completion timeline of June 2026. New business involved appointing election inspectors for 2026, tabling discussions on the Sanitary District Board and dwelling restrictions, discussing changes to sewer rate calculations based on water usage, updating Septic Dumping rates effective February 1st to $25/1000 gallons, confirming no change to ATV maps/ordinance, and addressing horse/carriage reflectors. Dredging of the harbor is anticipated in 2026. The Town Crew reported on snowplowing, decoration removal, and water tower painting.

Key discussions included updates on the bathroom repair at Twin Falls by the Planning Committee, and a request to hire an engineer for the Dock project, contingent upon developing a defined plan addressing the boat ramp, bulkhead, finger docks, and west dock, in consultation with the Army Corp of Engineers. The Park Commission reported on grant research for Town Hall updates, plumbing repairs, and gas smell investigation. The Fire Department/EMT segment addressed concerns about specific trucks and discussed the possibility of implementing stipends for training and charging fees for emergency responses. Ongoing business covered next spring's blacktop repair schedule, updating the Town Policy Handbook for sewer and water information, progress on the Solar Project (scheduled for completion by June 2026 across five sites), and establishing new Harbor dock fees. New business included setting the speed limit on Touve to 35mph and finalizing distribution of snow plow rules. Research will continue regarding text messaging options and creating a FAQ list for new alcohol licensing laws taking effect January 1st.

The meeting addressed several topics including Planning Committee updates focusing on Twin Falls bathroom repairs and the Dock project, for which the board discussed hiring an engineer and contacting the Army Corp of Engineers to understand maintenance versus construction guidelines. Updates needed at the town hall such as windows and acoustics were discussed, along with plumbing repairs, lighting, and a gas smell investigation. Concerns were raised regarding the fire department's truck in Orienta and the #3 pumper, including the possibility of stipends for training and charging fees for emergency responses. The board discussed repairing blacktop patching, updating the Town Policy Handbook, and the progress of the Solar Project. Updated harbor fees were established, and concerns about Flock Cameras were addressed. The speed limit on Touve was set to 35mph, and snow plow rules were discussed. New alcohol licensing laws were reviewed, and a zoning request was examined.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including updates from the Planning Committee and Park Commission, and a review of Fire Department and EMT reports. Discussions covered potential repairs to the bulkhead, the possibility of creating a video about the town's parks, and concerns about a crack in the recreation court pavement. The board reviewed a quote for blacktop patching, ongoing progress with the Solar Project, and insurance renewal. A resolution recognizing Laurie Gucinski's service was read, and the use of Flock Cameras in Bayfield County was discussed, with recommendations for further community discussion. The board also discussed a Food Drive, approved releasing draft minutes, set standard meeting dates for 2026, and addressed a Notice of Non-Compliance for Full Value Assessment. The Town Crew reported on the Sewer Treatment Plant, hydrant flushing, and preparations for the plow season.