[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6233387,"mediaKeyId","3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906","parentId",3422311,"title","Ashland County Highway Committee reviews resurfacing bids, staffing needs and roadside operations","audioSeconds",119,"startMs",1038000,"endMs",1157000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906&start=1038&end=1157","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906/thumbnail_1038000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233387/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Ashland-County-Highway-Committee-reviews-resurfacing-bids-staffing-needs-and-roadside-operations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233387-de6830fe2f0323ca45a74dbd94299a18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155186&Signature=jpkcsdiy~43qijWOty1mVSaeyippQH~abtYb-pErfAT3c9MnUnV-A-MKibTQa30IH9KnuZ2i58w-mQVOXlB6UQUj-KFuZfJKrj9jiYyjiNkRcJt~WJIZSqLWgtydM4NuiJmXFSB8~lwSnThvJrxOYwNiQfBn~MUiiPPQenlWMYXpI47eQwEAjMjPvj-SC4rLwwzLZho5bjykzPDzl87xeVOowByygHWy~e1o0~QSM~kCkcpwMkZyYRWjREZ5kW~6Ts5FSb3iurkBDwBAKg~2rtg9clrMP94Hg08sKWUcYI9a1grfD7wAL5b983-H4E1ZVjwKCAykZ5EF1OYve4emvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ashland County, WI","date","2025-05-20T20:46:11Z","article","The Ashland County Highway Committee reviewed recent highway project bids and operations and discussed staffing and policy changes for roadside work.

A Highway Department staff member reported two county-contracted resurfacing projects came in under the department’s estimates: one bid came in about $12,723 under the estimate, and the other came in roughly $196,000 under the budget. The staff member said the difference largely reflected that county projects avoid higher federal-bid costs such as prevailing wages, signing, striping and shouldering included in state-level estimates.

Committee members reviewed upcoming work: State Highway 169 from Mallon to the Iron County line is scheduled for resurfacing and culvert work and a new deck on the Bad River Bridge; a portion of County G G has scribe/scrub seal work planned and a four-mile section yet to be completed. Staff said certain culvert projects are scheduled for 2026, with paving planned in 2027 for a separate stretch.

On operations, staff said full-time staffing is unchanged but summer-help recruitment remains weak, with only one of four summer positions filled. Committee members asked whether seasonal hires might be eligible for unemployment; staff replied that eligibility depends on prior work history and hours and that the county pays unemployment claims as they occur rather than through a payroll-rate system.

The committee also discussed vegetation and tree work. Staff said crews have been doing brushing, patching, shoulder pulling, and were cutting dead trees and large limbs on Madeline Island and other rights-of-way, using a man lift where needed. Regarding a dispute over DOT firewood permits on a right-of-way, staff said they will stop helping residents complete DOT permit forms and instead provide DOT contact information; staff said a permit was issued to a resident but a typo in an email address meant the resident did not receive it, prompting a complaint that an employee unfairly received wood — a charge staff said was unintentional.

Members also asked about snow-fence installations; staff said the county has not installed snow fence during the current staff member’s tenure (since 2013) and that improvements in equipment, landowner easement requirements and past problems led to discontinuing routine installations.

The committee discussed scheduling, equipment procurement, and an executive meeting to authorize a mechanic position to support vehicle builds; staff said the mechanic authorization must go to an executive committee for approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highway Committee Meeting 4.14.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members discussed recent county highway bids that came in under budget, upcoming resurfacing and culvert projects, tree-cutting and brushing operations, the lack of recent snow-fence installations, and a policy change around assisting residents with DOT firewood permit applications.","taxTitle","Ashland County, Wisconsin","taxId",72843,"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},6233392,"Committee approves county application for canoe landing permit on County G G at Clam Lake",86,1499000,1585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906&start=1499&end=1585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906/thumbnail_1499000.jpg","/articles/6233392/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Committee-approves-county-application-for-canoe-landing-permit-on-County-G-G-at-Clam-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233392-1526fe263161ca46d98b80244f31867d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155186&Signature=GgBec1iIjElqjdPu6lcg1q3eloN2vCRjuNSds5Fe806fQnRShPo9Na-ufu2UCijOhpNiU-V5M7eBiGCyjeXrAeVRMEXeE6FiUWub7Zr3E5fEzpXIbVAJhe79~lnx4DJyLqzBj5SFl7DK3kFwCCYe1QxlTDGu-lLQTza2NLzy~TGQiuNmKTlWR9IQ13eOjTyLfe7ExbMp5e-TrB9BrwENwdBgNYWKWd7aP4HETjecPYnCJ3a1ZMcu9wc5FTUHAg9Dc6oUtKYaUeCiaeuFtV5az0mH7oZSZYqrgPNo-QmfTuoHJO-euCXMkl2IpQ06MlvTz4MTnkY0wTBKGtCVQcaolg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashland County Highway Committee approved allowing the county to apply for a shoreline permit so the West Fourth Waterway Association can install a canoe landing along County G G at Clam Lake.

County staff said zoning determined the installation needs a shoreline permit and recommended the county — as property owner — file the zero-cost application and hold the permit. The committee member initiating the motion asked, “So you need a motion?” and moved to proceed; Jim seconded. The committee then voted by voice and the motion carried.

Staff explained the project previously received committee approval to advance and forestry and land management had no objection; the zoning department concluded a shoreline permit was required after consulting the Department of Natural Resources. The permit application is zero cost to the county.

The committee’s vote authorized staff to sign and submit the application on the county’s behalf so the association may proceed with the canoe landing permitting process.","The Highway Committee voted to allow the county to file a no-cost shoreline permit application so the West Fourth Waterway Association can install a canoe landing on County G G in Clam Lake; the committee voted by voice after a motion from Marty and a second from Jim.",{"_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},6233397,"Committee weighs whether Ashland County should resume administration of LRIP pilot or let consultant lead",135,1305000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906&start=1305&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906/thumbnail_1305000.jpg","/articles/6233397/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Committee-weighs-whether-Ashland-County-should-resume-administration-of-LRIP-pilot-or-let-consultant-lead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233397-4bf92a62024139f7f9dbe66075b8d062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155186&Signature=OYQUMeLVXoCq5RxY-IcVqylZNkVpr~DbSR8tEWtADUVdRKhgrIWyxzwrRlGE0ZEa1Vc1E17bgUG~C90CC5xfhCK6Q3LHvRFhMRRBgLIrYYbs9Xf7A2sq-2EAhBeaLio6riUQC8r~bg4Di45yUw6-DecXkfDgEu9HxoSM8v-UohsPLFTP0z356j2mhwkublhW3Fu32lkI2ffyAiCOxGvggiGxgUnY7MvaLF-LP3HXDRR-Ze-f2toGyrmCWvfhTavZyeS77nkPg3iTHBVmwh9DpFBPFIe44horHewW6rmVMOtVuQpDoFw1n7KUDOr6n5zp8o90IPwM9UriMrCKNFQzpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashland County Highway Committee members discussed whether the county should sign a June contract to resume local administration of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) pilot or allow the consultant facilitator to continue administering it.

A county staff member said the pilot’s current contract expires in June and that the town association has signaled that members of the statewide committee that select funding favor pilot counties when the facilitator administers the program. The staff member said, “I was leaning strong that I’d like to take it back after a few of these meetings. I’m kinda leaning that maybe I should just let it go back to the consultant facilitator to do it.”

Committee members directed staff to invite town chairs or a representative from each town to a meeting to gather preferences and seek a consensus. The staff member said their last direction from the committee was to consult the towns about whether the county should take back administration. One attendee noted the pilot expires June 1 (later corrected in discussion to July 1), and the committee discussed scheduling a June meeting to decide whether to sign the contract.

No final decision was recorded at the meeting; staff said they would hold meetings with town representatives and return to the committee for a final recommendation before the contract deadline.","The committee discussed whether Ashland County should sign a June contract to resume administration of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) pilot or leave it with the consultant; members plan outreach to town chairs before making a final recommendation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233402,"Ashland County committee votes to seek bid approval for Madeline Island shoreline work, contingent on attorney review of federal-funding clause",442,1600000,2042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906&start=1600&end=2042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3422311-df52664dc8f9a39c3e8a774a8a63b906/thumbnail_1600000.jpg","/articles/6233402/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Ashland-County-committee-votes-to-seek-bid-approval-for-Madeline-Island-shoreline-work-contingent-on-attorney-review-of-federal-funding-clause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233402-f503e9ef8b493fff0b59ba787383e722/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155186&Signature=NMgr0KnpyQqR~Khe5P~BZzRk5tzll86mraUnot7tQcp9~1p-wHhSPnoRFNHcCG2NUNR0SDnDW-3imi9xmJilCLMB~pXES00rtmhzLiKDxaMu~rwr-aD-aFMVDGg9pd85aZYEeLMe9b9eT2wJviR2mi1HZBuBeYKRfki5PI3qPi-XXYJqPxaWDNTBFCXmULKTKE2FLKkiorU-PwKqSi3JOg3ftAe7Zh0N3cBD2mtfuusrKBagbm9PNp2784WsqkGX9O1iqJZLkeLnseRnfj8KzsBpRXCLIk5E3U44b10PGsuUARMF3onxKgXVd0-v9Po1Di87hJy7eGCb9M1jaeEvkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashland County Highway Committee voted to authorize moving the Madeline Island shoreline riprap project toward public bidding while requiring legal review of contract language that would allow the county to back out if federal funding is rescinded.

Committee member Marty made the motion and Tom Reimer seconded it; the motion passed after discussion.

The project is currently designed and awaiting permitting with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the county has a $900,000 FEMA grant allocated for riprap work on Madeline Island. County staff said there is also a county-funded portion budgeted — including about $300,000 identified for county costs — and that engineering work already under way will cost the county roughly $75,000 regardless of whether construction proceeds.

Highway Department staff said they are concerned about the federal funding’s stability. A staff member said, “My problem with it is what’s happening at the federal level is making me nervous if this grant is still going to be there when we want it.” Committee members discussed whether bids could include a clause allowing the county to decline award if federal dollars are rescinded. A committee member asked, “Can we put a clause in there when we bid it that provided we get the grant?” and staff answered that they believed a contract condition of that nature was possible but recommended attorney review.

County staff said SEH has produced design work and would handle bidding; the project still needs DNR permits. If bids are issued and federal funding is later withdrawn, the county board — not the committee alone — would have to approve any decision that would put the county on the hook for substantial construction costs. A staff member said, “If we don’t get the grant, both finance committee and the county board are going to have to approve it because we’re potentially putting the county on the hook for a million dollars.”

The committee directed staff to consult the county attorney (Max or Katie were named as contacts) to confirm whether bid documents may include a withdraw/force-majeure clause tied to federal funding and to coordinate with Wisconsin Emergency Management for status updates before bidding.

The committee recorded a formal motion to advance the project to bidding provided the county attorney confirms contract language that allows withdrawal if federal funds are rescinded; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff said they would seek a status update from Wisconsin Emergency Management and recommended bringing any unresolved legal or funding risk to the finance committee or full county board if needed.","The Ashland County Highway Committee voted to move forward with bidding the Madeline Island shoreline riprap project — funded by a $900,000 FEMA grant and county match — but instructed staff to add contract language allowing withdrawal if federal funding is rescinded and to get legal sign-off before proceeding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ashland County Highway Committee reviews resurfacing bids, staffing needs and roadside operations

Committee approves county application for canoe landing permit on County G G at Clam Lake

Committee weighs whether Ashland County should resume administration of LRIP pilot or let consultant lead

Ashland County committee votes to seek bid approval for Madeline Island shoreline work, contingent on attorney review of federal-funding clause