Richard Carani

The board discussed several agenda items, including the adoption of an amended ordinance concerning unlawful assembly, prohibiting signage in traffic medians. Significant discussion occurred regarding modifications to the Food Truck Policy, including changes to fees, inspection requirements, operating times, and allowances for special events like the 4th of July and Beef-A-Rama. A representative from Minocqua Winter Park provided an update on the new tubing hill and discussed plans to fundraise for and install snowmaking equipment with an anticipated 2028 operational date. The board approved a Temporary Alcohol Beverage License for the Loopy Loppet event. The Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau presented statistics and an update on room tax expenditures, including ongoing work on a convention center feasibility study. The board also debated the rerouting of the Old Highway 70 snowmobile trail due to safety concerns following a recent fatality, ultimately suggesting the club use mats or culverts for the Bullhead Lake crossing. Finally, the board authorized the disposal of an outdated plow truck and introduced an ordinance for a first reading concerning Class B fermented malt beverage licenses and gaming devices, noting that existing license holders with machines would be grandfathered.

The board addressed several significant items under New Business. This included a first reading of a new ordinance Section 29 Finance & Taxation, declaring the Town of Minocqua a Premier Resort Area Taxing (PRAT) authority, with a decision to bring it for adoption at the subsequent meeting. The board decided to send a letter to Oneida County Planning & Zoning requesting that the ordinance regulating off-street parking and loading spaces remain unchanged. Concerns were raised regarding Class B Beer licenses being issued for establishments with video gaming machines; the board directed staff to draft an ordinance amendment prohibiting such machines at Class B establishments. Finally, the board approved the list of election inspectors for the 2026-2027 election cycle.

Key discussions included the second reading and adoption of a new ordinance, Section 29, declaring the Town of Minocqua as a Premier Resort Area Taxing (PRAT) authority. The board also approved two condominium plat applications: Preliminary Condominium Plat #03-26 for an 8500 Place conversion and Preliminary Plat of Survey Map #04-26 for a three-lot division for the Gillen property. Furthermore, the board decided to maintain the town's 7-day minimum stay requirement for short-term rentals despite a county ordinance reduction, and reviewed the first reading of an amended ordinance, Section 41-29, regarding unlawful assembly, which mirrors state statute.

The meeting addressed several new business items requiring administrative review and permit approvals. Key actions included the approval of a sign permit for E/N Real Estate of Minocqua LLC. Administrative Review Permits were approved for a fitness studio operation by Rautio Properties LLC, continuing an existing parking waiver, and for the operation of a new dock and lift business by Mammoth Dock & Lift LLC. The commission also recommended approval for a preliminary two-unit condominium plat, 8500 Place Condominium, and recommended approval for a preliminary three-lot Plat of Survey Map related to a proposed division of vacant land intended for hunting purposes. A wide-ranging discussion concerning County zoning districts was tabled to a future session.

The primary agenda item for this special meeting concerned the selection of an engineering firm for the Highway 51 multi-use path project, which is supported by the Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) grant administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Following interviews conducted by the Town Chairman, a Supervisor, and the Director of Public Works with Becher Hoppe, Collins Engineers, Inc., and Strand Associates, the panel recommended awarding the engineering services contract to Strand Associates.