Town of Barnes

The board addressed various administrative and operational items, including the approval of numerous operator and liquor licenses for local establishments and the adoption of an employee interview process policy. Legislative actions included the approval of a Road Destruction Ordinance and revisions to Sexton and EMT job descriptions. Financial and project-related discussions involved the final payment for the Ellison Lake Road project, approval of cemetery fees, and updates regarding the treasurer's report and vouchers. Additionally, the board appointed members to the AIS committee, authorized contracts for grant applications, and discussed road maintenance, chip sealing, and the potential removal of an ATV/UTV ordinance.

The meetings involved closed session deliberations regarding personnel, resulting in authorization to post for a Deputy Clerk position and the termination of an EMT. In the open session, the board discussed the Bayfield County Resolution, tabled insurance renewals and EMT wage discussions, and reviewed the Treasurer's report. Departmental reports were presented, covering the Highway Department's road and building infrastructure assessments, Transfer Site operations, Fire Department training, and Ambulance Department activities, including equipment upgrades and staffing updates.

The board conducted a budget work session during the meeting.

The board addressed multiple operational and administrative matters including a resolution to amend the 2022 budget and fund transfers, the review and approval of short-term rental and operator license applications, and the approval of staff training and IT infrastructure purchases. Reports were received from the Clerk/Treasurer, the Highway Department regarding snow operations and facility maintenance, and the Transfer Site regarding disposal fees. The Fire and Ambulance departments provided updates on call volumes, grant applications, and staffing changes. Additionally, the A.I.S. Committee presented status updates on various aquatic invasive species grants, project treatments, and environmental survey requirements.

The meeting encompassed a closed session for personnel evaluations, where hourly wage increases were approved for specific employees. A public hearing was held to discuss the 2024 Draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The board adopted the 2024 comprehensive plan by ordinance and appointed election inspectors for the upcoming term. Key actions included naming the employee and volunteer of the year, approving an audit contract, adopting a budget amendment for the 2023 fiscal year, and authorizing a new EMS Mutual Aid Agreement. Department reports covered highway maintenance, transfer site operations and fee adjustments, fire department activity, and ambulance staffing challenges.