[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6672028,"mediaKeyId","2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc","parentId",2138577,"title","Votes at a glance: Eau Claire County Board actions on Jan. 21, 2025","audioSeconds",6734,"startMs",586000,"endMs",7320000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc&start=586&end=7320","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc/thumbnail_586000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6672028/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Votes-at-a-glance-Eau-Claire-County-Board-actions-on-Jan-21-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6672028-fc1291f4f8cfd4275341c9aefaeff3a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776545680&Signature=QwBP3vtqnT5iWTSnhNOA6rwIJy72s0rUdJKx0I~h~nqIJG9yFUoSNJg-C72qlZy5rc2ukIfEjtxXPnqyUSzxV0n-vyN4Tag5z7qRA5x~Hjcq5JzdEL2Io9HGP3hVfbBWVMzspIX2FUXAPxAEYrR5nQubbNzl73SlPVWZvhgNrw~TDDEhaLfrgxtLz4wWww-QF3XWn5-YprL3ogZNIO58X0aSIFpVfTwgFPLm5lzqhBvJoPmNd~RSAawu9~D4RTm2m0b2OSJkQJMYAS70U9Y60H6sNfjtXDj2jP3x4NDBNPlTNzz2fDQrd6cmDoPj6LaLcMIwhYjUVPznbLBHgZvq~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Eau Claire County","date","2025-01-21T19:00:00Z","article","This is a summary of formal motions, resolutions and ordinances the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors acted on at its Jan. 21, 2025 meeting.

Approved items (motion / mover / second / outcome where recorded):

- Approval of the Dec. 21, 2024 minutes as amended — Motion by Supervisor Hirsch, second by Supervisor Meyer; passed 26–0. The amendment noted a previously unrecorded discussion about an $18,624,000 Parks & Rec expenditure for a dam project and a request that the county administrator check on budgetary steps.

- File 97: Grant overhead utility easement to Xcel Energy for Altoona Container Park — Motion by Supervisor Shroff Nagel, second Supervisor Hirsch; passed 26–0.

- File 102: Support letter for Spectrum Mid-America LLC grant application to Wisconsin's Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program — Motion by Supervisor Dunning, second by Supervisor Jenkins; passed 25–1. Board discussion noted this endorsement is not a county funding obligation and complements other county broadband projects.

- File 95: Reclassification of seven full‑time fiscal associate positions in Human Services (reassignment to a higher pay grade) — Motion by Supervisor Smiler, second by Supervisor Jenkins; passed 26–0. Committee and HR support noted; board confirmed supermajority requirement met.

- File 90: Ordinance amending county forest use (dispersed camping seasonal closure and fee changes) — Motion by Supervisor Shrapnel, second by Supervisor Jenkins; passed 24–2. The ordinance closes dispersed camping May 1–Sept 15, raises two‑week permits to $40 and sets a nightly option at $5.

- File 98: Adopt 2025 Parks and Forest annual work plan (required for County Forest Administration grant) — Motion by Supervisor Shrapnel Nagel (committee), passed 26–0.

- File 99: Grant utility easement to Eau Claire Energy Cooperative for power to new cabins at Forks Park — Motion by Supervisor Myers, second by Supervisor Stiff; passed 26–0.

- File 92: Ordinance amending the 2023 official zoning map for Pleasant Valley (rezoning ~30.95 acres for planned/light industrial development) — Motion by Supervisor Hirsch, second by Supervisor Jenkins; passed 26–0.

- Proclamation: Transit Equity Day (Feb. 4, 2025) — Motion by Supervisor Wilkie, second by Supervisor Jenkins; proclamation passed 17–9 after defeat of an amendment to narrow language.

Notes and context:
- Several items were briefed to the board without formal votes, including a drone bathymetry report by Land Conservation staff and a multi‑part strategic‑planning briefing by UW Extension.
- Supervisors recorded concerns about an $18.6 million Parks and Rec expenditure from a prior meeting; the board asked the county administrator and legal counsel to review whether a budget amendment or additional approvals are required.

If you require the full vote roll call for any item, please request the specific file number and the clerk’s official minutes will be referenced.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Eau Claire County - County Board of Supervisors - January 21, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Eau Claire County Board approved a mix of proclamations, rezoning, easements, a personnel reclassification and work plan items. Key votes included the dispersed camping ordinance (24–2) and the Transit Equity Day proclamation (17–9).","taxTitle","Eau Claire County, Wisconsin","taxId",4139,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6672032,"County Land Conservation says drone bathymetry saved about $10,000 in lake dredging work",260,2290000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc&start=2290&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc/thumbnail_2290000.jpg","/articles/6672032/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/County-Land-Conservation-says-drone-bathymetry-saved-about-10000-in-lake-dredging-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6672032-44cd535a0bbf9834ebcfdf302c84eb0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776545680&Signature=bBLZwssONEv0Lag~1cgXDJ-yvdSAm6ZujGcf9SjKkd8Hm70UHKhgC7yUjPkwY5tAxE4TJpJU2L2b9Qj6qOnq~7Izjhmsu6XE5RUSHNHtpimtkdQz49YY-B8moZuI6kDFsocGQLu5ZG1kytbFfgWvPHFVAHrVVJU0laJOb0Dwj4FAMzf0K6QjOb6xx028kRp2dxL0xOEFJpyDE6nz1uLrncXjokmhjvFG5gA6P9nLn3ogXif5Zgi-dr-D1XIqoVg3TMJxhNsZtkdGZIwyo64biW9leVLcx5hRcvvHKDhw-zWQc-823DutOXZbe9EpzVuToZpFZzUO2X~UWhbnuy6xcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eau Claire County’s Land Conservation Division told the county board on Jan. 21 that drone‑based bathymetry and photogrammetry provided accurate, low‑cost measurements of sediment removed from sand traps upstream of Lake Altoona.

Zach Moore, conservation engineering coordinator with the county Land Conservation Division, said pilots flew drones before and after dredging and used the resulting digital terrain models to estimate the volume of sand hauled to spoil sites. \"The drone is very accurate,\" Moore said. \"It takes a lot of points per foot and saved about $10,000 in outside surveying fees for this project.\" He told supervisors the drone-based volume measures were within about 2,000 cubic yards of full-survey estimates on a pile of roughly 50,000–60,000 cubic yards — a level of accuracy Moore described as acceptable for planning and contract verification.

Michelle Skinner, chair of the Lake Altoona District Board, told supervisors the Lake District used an ARPA grant obtained through the county to purchase the drones and praised the county partnership. \"Land Conservation has done a bang‑up job — it saves us money and helps the county plan and track dredging more accurately,\" Skinner said.

Why it matters: Accurate pre‑ and post‑dredge measurements help lake associations and contractors confirm contracted volumes and plan spoil‑site elevation needs. Moore said the county’s technique enables a quicker and cheaper routine measurement to inform contracting and budgeting decisions for future dredging and shoreline management work.

County staff said the drone workflow allows them to estimate volumes before material is moved to spoil sites, improving contract oversight, and that captured data is integrated into county analysis for future planning.","Eau Claire County Land Conservation reported using drone surveys to measure sand trap dredging and sand‑spoil volumes, estimating savings of about $10,000 in outside surveying costs and noting close agreement with contractor volume estimates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6672036,"County outlines strategic‑planning timeline as presenters flag statewide demographic and workforce shifts",1696,6404000,8100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc&start=6404&end=8100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc/thumbnail_6404000.jpg","/articles/6672036/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/County-outlines-strategicplanning-timeline-as-presenters-flag-statewide-demographic-and-workforce-shifts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6672036-3ea36bb4a3e089a4dcad7a4c2bf68038/orig.mp4?Expires=1776545680&Signature=H~UdHKuzWE6VEw8f0DMfvYCjJw7BwWRbVKNqNxScCFk2gj5InZLfKgAtvnlJbdIbOO8glP2HE09~Sdlw-kmgrAPfwPLCElTS8FbzJI-tFKjymWDBdiLXAAT2ymVxQaqxKtPhIHHhuhipithKS2YJCMqeVj4tCey41VfrYRb5X1-OFWyxWg0--hF12zYU-hN78t~5yLGLqjhLgt~c6ubjGpJZ9k7TQ1K~4IOVjsoQMvOtTt7bz1KvITAQev~51tki9OX8q7NFvtx4U4l77LCd6YC7FVa6kUicMcuq4vhHwKp38eLBHIXNeIY~pGfRGSW7WCdtmIQXh-gja~1x2ZiMVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eau Claire County leaders heard a two‑part briefing Jan. 21 that set a strategic planning timeline and summarized demographic trends county officials will need to address in coming years.

Garrett Zastepal, community and leadership development educator with UW Extension, outlined a three‑phase, problem‑focused process the county will use to craft strategy. \"This becomes more of a problem‑solving exercise rather than a laundry list,\" Zastepal said, describing a diagnosis phase in February, policy guidance in March and departmental action‑planning to return for finalization in May.

County staff and committee members agreed to use the framework during meetings in February through May; department heads will draft implementation plans once the board sets guiding priorities.

A separate presentation by Carl Green of UW Extension's Local Government Education Program reviewed statewide population and workforce trends that will shape local planning. Green highlighted a long‑term slowdown in population growth across Wisconsin, with births declining and deaths rising as the population ages. He said the state's prime working‑age cohort (ages 25–54) has fallen since 2010 and noted the region's relative strength: Eau Claire has seen modest working‑age population increases compared with many rural counties, a trend Green attributed to regional economic links and the presence of university campuses.

Green said labor demand remains exceptionally high statewide, with job openings often outnumbering unemployed job seekers. \"It’s not unemployment that is the problem — there are jobs — it’s matching workers to jobs,\" he told supervisors. Green recommended county strategies that consider housing, childcare, and workforce supports as part of long‑term planning.

Board members asked that the strategic‑planning process emphasize realistic constraints — including budget and staffing — and requested that the county provide data briefings to committees as the process unfolds.","UW Extension consultants previewed a crux‑based strategic planning process for Eau Claire County and briefed supervisors on demographic trends showing slowing population growth, an aging workforce and persistent job openings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6672041,"Eau Claire County proclaims Transit Equity Day after heated debate over wording",0,6105000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc&start=6105&end=6105","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc/thumbnail_6105000.jpg","/articles/6672041/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Eau-Claire-County-proclaims-Transit-Equity-Day-after-heated-debate-over-wording","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6672041-26598ccfc9bf4bcdc68f0f2b528c3512/orig.mp4?Expires=1776545680&Signature=eJ8fq7hA6FE8rkGvLwWiFKSXZMwI1-KbKCQs9txFXScvUAi2JGxnh5Ozy7BoQzmMqYe0rXkHV571YMxkCUiDWTp5iChd~v4fV7EMpAe~fj~qZ-MTGEHF1KTDvmVAACAdbasDHiQWByyPGwL9AlpmjuaW6MiL7LMH~4BtFKFbc~kxgCTTsW5KoHjoZ5WqAxz~L5wp-AC3zoom9btL4MiTrAKtWYC-HnHXCraqFWKo7tw4sLzj7ZjzNIJqJUTCrjD1sw3Guqj2PJUWDhRRx1qsUORQ1NdctV-69KSkRv9ezAAmAenyP3txcltfMRJ8DUCw-t6YOYAqkkvnXMZadFPCMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors voted 17–9 on Jan. 21 to proclaim Feb. 4, 2025 as Transit Equity Day, endorsing a local tradition of placing a red rose on the front seat of each bus and paratransit van to mark Rosa Parks' birthday. The proclamation links Parks' 1955 protest to contemporary concerns about access to affordable and reliable public transit.

The measure was introduced as a proclamation and carried by Supervisor Schneider on behalf of the Committee on Administration. \"This is yet another good example\" of drawing attention to paratransit and accessibility issues, Schneider told the board.

Opponents argued the proclamation's text overstated causes of transit problems and improperly framed them as matters of systemic racism and equity. \"The inference is that the problems with the public transit system is due to racism, and I really cannot agree with that at all,\" Supervisor Hoekstra said during debate, citing fare‑evasion reports as an example of a different problem affecting transit budgets. Supervisor Myron proposed narrowing the proclamation to remove broader language about economic and racial inequality and to recognize Parks' birthday without the additional policy assertions.

The board considered an amendment that would have excised multiple paragraphs that link transit funding, equity and climate strategy to contemporary civil rights aims. That amendment failed 10–16. The original proclamation then passed, 17–9.

Why it matters: The proclamation is symbolic rather than regulatory, but it signals the county’s support for local transit providers' efforts to increase access and to raise public awareness of transportation barriers faced by people with disabilities and low incomes. Supporters noted one specific disparity raised in committee: paratransit programs had been unable to offer free rides on a past election day when fixed‑route buses did, because of funding limitations.

The proclamation statements do not bind county spending or create new programs; supporters urged it as a public showing of support for transit access and for the Eau Claire Transit tradition of placing roses on buses on Parks’ birthday.

The motion was made by Supervisor Wilkie and seconded by Supervisor Jenkins.","The county board approved a proclamation recognizing Feb. 4, 2025 as Transit Equity Day and endorsing a local tradition honoring Rosa Parks, but a contentious debate over language describing transit inequities and 'equity' drew a 17–9 vote.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6672046,"Eau Claire County tightens rules for dispersed camping, raises fees after reports of illegal activity",7855,835000,8690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc&start=835&end=8690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2138577-1861be9887f907cb1f5c12702ebae8fc/thumbnail_835000.jpg","/articles/6672046/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Eau-Claire-County-tightens-rules-for-dispersed-camping-raises-fees-after-reports-of-illegal-activity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6672046-84e3a698d1aad4023e24c86c2e868ec1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776545680&Signature=eC79GKQ~M82nZn4XODY4A2HyqZICwFZZ20jcA4hiK43ibe1Xs7KejqjMdPVyTG57cYsmFhki5-8ADLLRGtLEOCWZZBh4JEkfyAY2c25bUVr1nGVsjQ9yBlb1Vz2EklGMW7yZrcn51IkDpaKJ~yrmDHqud0Z-jtGXk~axG3lzsC4EQJEYseryWlNg-yrXE~SeqOfkKKFkvjq3hw-BZe-6N19U-av4Fg7EK-64JuZ2AFz6TwcSNtVlY2Maw0NT85moNc59mOrfPIUYk8yWCm~Fd-F0xy1hf5AZGpoANYCsL-aOGCw~mq-Q-qg-Wz2QWJDoFXaM50ZVvvyKncbz7i0h9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eau Claire County supervisors voted 24-2 on Jan. 21 to amend county forest rules, closing dispersed camping during the summer months and increasing permit fees. The ordinance sets a two-week dispersed camping permit at $40 (previously $10) or $5 per night for shorter stays and prohibits dispersed camping from May 1 through Sept. 15.

The change follows reports to county staff of repeated permit violations, abandoned camps, exposed needles, harassment and incidents that required law enforcement or emergency response. \"There were significant public-safety and enforcement issues over the summer,\" Supervisor Joseph Knight said in explaining the committee recommendation. \"Staff time and cleanup costs rose, and officers expressed concern about safety when approaching some campsites.\"

Why it matters: County officials said higher fees and the seasonal closure will reduce illegal or semi-permanent campsites that staff now must clear and patrol. Parks staff estimated about 160 employee hours devoted to administering dispersed camping in 2024 and noted extensive cleanup costs; 49 permits were purchased online in 2024, yielding roughly $490 in permit revenue that year, county records show.

Supporters of the change cited officers' safety and repeated rule violations. \"Our staff members reported feeling unsafe when they encountered some of these encampments,\" Supervisor Michelle Skinner said. She and other committee members said the county’s two developed campgrounds remain available for summer camping.

Some residents urged more access to primitive camping. In public comment, Susan Warner of Augusta described a five‑day solo backcountry experience she said was important to her and asked the board to find a middle ground rather than a ban. \"Dispersed camping should be allowed during the summer months,\" Warner said. The board considered and rejected an amendment that would have removed the summer closure.

The ordinance was introduced as an amendment to Section 16.30.520.A.1 of the county code. It passed on second reading after months of committee discussion that repeatedly returned to enforcement burdens and public‑safety concerns. County staff told supervisors that the Moratorium earlier in the previous year had been lifted after hunters and lawful users raised concerns about access, but that enforcement and cleanup needs remained high.

The parks and forests committee and county staff said the change is intended to protect both public safety and forest resources; committee members noted there are other public and state lands in Wisconsin that continue to permit primitive camping with different management rules. The board adopted the ordinance with a 24 yes, 2 no vote; oppositions cited impacts on lawful campers seeking a primitive experience.

A county staff implementation plan will follow to clarify permit sales, signage and enforcement steps for the coming season.","The County Board adopted an ordinance closing dispersed camping in the county forest from May 1 to Sept. 15, raised the two‑week permit fee to $40 and set nightly permits at $5 as officials cited safety, litter and enforcement costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Eau Claire County Board actions on Jan. 21, 2025

County Land Conservation says drone bathymetry saved about $10,000 in lake dredging work

County outlines strategic‑planning timeline as presenters flag statewide demographic and workforce shifts

Eau Claire County proclaims Transit Equity Day after heated debate over wording

Eau Claire County tightens rules for dispersed camping, raises fees after reports of illegal activity