[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6166426,"mediaKeyId","5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9","parentId",5415548,"title","Committee reviews Heritage Trails usage decline, discusses fee options and partnerships for mountain-bike trails","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2768000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9&start=2768&end=2768","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9/thumbnail_2768000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166426/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Committee-reviews-Heritage-Trails-usage-decline-discusses-fee-options-and-partnerships-for-mountain-bike-trails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166426-32b4e9d52e6941ff68318a2888c0b233/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929727&Signature=HKR5w4dAS836N0~emLAdUz5TOC4mVbBpRfQOrpTR7T9T0vog~irJAH~2-MDsUeBbLHcPnnIPF4ROAJaw5mh46ZMPBRuP4N9-p7VGHfttzUx1dao-zkVnkagY4C3-or~bV49S4dps73FYUyp6Ovtwtg7g9hGs4KZfYuHSZpy7HG06Dbvv~UfTK~4s3ivYov3ZoG9VE9R3MByWjJKxT4reOS6xVQnmBSNmNSKILvgNSqPfqZ7dL-zPPNCKy8euRbUQkpJZ7NZGyKEK0iLXR6Dvmnm3EsiIKmqAS7iAF0Ej9D-pcIeCh3Gc-5ZgDQd0-R-YaSWeCFz7jpNJ-8nCN4wzlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington County, WI","date","2025-07-17T21:30:50Z","article","WEST BEND, Wis. — Washington County staff told the Land Use and Planning Committee on July 17 that Heritage Trails Park is seeing lower vehicle counts and revenue in 2025 compared with 2024 and discussed possible policy options to support continued trail building and maintenance, particularly for mountain-bike trails.

Jamie Ludovic, chief community development officer, said the county’s budget and analytics team prepared a usage report showing camera-recorded exits and revenue falling in 2025. Ludovic said that while the county is not recommending a fee change at this time, the committee could consider targeted options such as a higher Heritage Trails daily pass (for example, $15–$20 per carload), a dedicated mountain-bike pass, or a two-tiered resident vs. nonresident daily fee to capture revenue from out-of-area visitors.

Staff noted the mountain-bike trails at Heritage Trails have grown through volunteer labor and private fundraising (Metro Mountain Bikers) and that ongoing maintenance needs and future trail builds require a reliable funding source. Ludovic said the county lacks discretionary funds to expand park maintenance and that any change would require partnership input from Metro Mountain Bikers; he said, “we are not recommending anything” and described the discussion as due diligence ahead of the 2026 budget.

Committee members raised practical and equity questions. Supervisor Pridemore asked why 2025 usage lagged 2024; staff cited weather, economy and conversion of frequent riders to annual passholders as possible factors. Supervisor Mary noted an increase in out-of-state daily plates and suggested exploring concession or food-truck opportunities for event days. Supervisor Brian Krebs asked whether camera software could identify Wisconsin plates versus out-of-state plates for differential pricing; staff said plate-state recognition is feasible and that any revenue model should consider enforcement and administrative complexity.

Members discussed the idea of earmarking Heritage Trails revenue for that park’s trail maintenance. Some members supported carving out funds to support trail construction and upkeep; others cautioned against setting a precedent for park-specific earmarking and noted similar requests have arisen for other parks. Staff said they plan to pursue further analysis including comparisons of out-of-state plate counts across parks, cost estimates for running electricity and concessions, and a student planning project through the University of Wisconsin master’s program to evaluate park layout and infrastructure needs.

No motion was taken; the committee asked staff to continue analyzing data and potential fee or partnership models and to report back during the budget process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Land Use & Planning Committee","oneSentenceSummary","County staff reported a drop in park usage and revenue at Heritage Trails in 2025 compared with 2024 and discussed potential levers — higher daily fees, a mountain-bike pass, targeting nonresident plate fees or partnerships with Metro Mountain Bikers — but made no changes and asked for further study.","taxTitle","Washington County, Wisconsin","taxId",5137,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6166431,"Committee approves Farm Bureau food-stand expansion; county may cover utility relocation",700,2126000,2826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9&start=2126&end=2826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9/thumbnail_2126000.jpg","/articles/6166431/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Committee-approves-Farm-Bureau-food-stand-expansion-county-may-cover-utility-relocation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166431-ff53f2b608764fca23a39234be21c2ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929727&Signature=YFirrtjFt7VImeCFgPn-dYtnGcpWl1Hb6XTr9aZ~gdSZ37-9hBakANJcHBBDH-~I~ijRzNr069lEwVP99yYNLA1KKlXe6pururQjQbMHeNlUPYw0N4zOQeaNqG3EcFdfQJSrThk9uDRruqXN20~50IV7gh1hqfMQBdkUG2FpG5rASVDtZM1QiSq3ujf77L3noiPr0sdYlja1ErBZ1tmrjWffAmtmMm51PxauL6o~WMNB18Uwj~sfPtpNDVBGhQGalqj49maZo-2CFKdvzx2XJYod9iQTE~cWX7qe4r5QGBxS9JGOjA~vcT60FkKj-VKWGbyJoaztSBLs-cCplcMsmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WEST BEND, Wis. — The Washington County Land Use and Planning Committee on July 17 approved a proposed 351-square-foot expansion to the Washington County Farm Bureau’s food stand at the Fair Park, subject to facilities review and approval by the Agricultural Industrial Society (AIS).

Jamie Ludovic, chief community development officer, described the project as a roughly $80,000 bump-out to move a hood and open the food-stand interior. Ludovic said the expanded structure would be donated to the county and that the Farm Bureau operates the stand under a long-term lease through the AIS. Because donated permanent structures become county property, the committee’s approval was required to accept the expansion.

Ludovic told the committee the county is considering covering the cost to relocate utilities tied to the expansion from an existing pot of funding for Fair Park infrastructure improvements. He said the county will prepare a fuller report to show how funds from the previously issued debt for Fair Park improvements are being spent. Ludovic said a facilities review is required to resolve details such as materials, paint color and utility relocation costs.

Supervisor Brian Krebs questioned the “minimal cost” estimate for moving utilities, noting that utility relocations often cost more than a “couple thousand dollars.” Ludovic said the county’s public-works office would develop a cost estimate and that staff planned to return with a report on Fair Park spending in the next few months.

Motion and vote: Supervisor Mary moved approval, Supervisor Pridemore seconded, and the committee approved the project with the conditions noted in the staff memo. Staff emphasized that the Farm Bureau must obtain required permits and that facilities and AIS review are part of the approval process.

Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities. Ludovic said the county generally owns the building structure under the county’s agreements but that the Farm Bureau’s lease and operating arrangements make the lessee responsible for day-to-day interior maintenance; roof and structural issues are typically a collaborative responsibility with AIS and the county.

The committee approved the preliminary authorization and asked staff to return with a facilities review and utility-cost estimate.","Washington County’s Land Use and Planning Committee approved a 351-square-foot expansion of the Farm Bureau food stand at the Fair Park and discussed using Fair Park infrastructure funds to cover utility relocation costs pending facilities review and Agricultural Industrial Society input.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6166436,"Committee approves administrative updates to shoreland zoning maps to keep GIS current",707,1519000,2226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9&start=1519&end=2226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9/thumbnail_1519000.jpg","/articles/6166436/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Committee-approves-administrative-updates-to-shoreland-zoning-maps-to-keep-GIS-current","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166436-0019aa97ed722c1176a104a187323978/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929727&Signature=oRycKJcvDZ1tu7LugruBVRSAjDCdN6QtXllvM~QpKyhKDncv1~IGi9nNHPN3QJM8x1GHX9NU2cWTAK~q2N635XRU4y4fp3AMWxuE8QPduY7809JxXCPO~euqF~sgSRQziosKgVyGPY7M60X~EdUhMiz0jJkIBbqagHnJt01MaHTD2-xpAjQ7RuTCI3QD3XDErLXy2BIXsvluKuIcpC8avQ7icmAetwcto0PBvmHvXCKJcD4hJs1wuBJ48AAmid7v9K0Njl1n8GsL5f-7BLKHQo1HzlGTFIadmLSwrQNlLOmRatg9HYmVwc7PBsorbT2HaWt8xLY8DmWm~qb-n3bHXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WEST BEND, Wis. — The Washington County Land Use and Planning Committee voted July 17 to authorize the county’s Natural Resources and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department to make administrative updates to the county’s official shoreland zoning maps when changes originate with other authorities or new data layers.

Jamie Ludovic, chief community development officer, told the committee the resolution was proposed after instances in which state or municipal map layers (for example, DNR wetlands or annexations) changed in real time while the county’s official maps lagged. Ludovic said the resolution would allow staff to update county maps promptly to reflect annexations or updated navigability/wetland data and to report those administrative changes to the committee and county board at least annually.

Ludovic said the action is intended to improve accuracy and timeliness of the county’s regulatory maps, not to change policy. He explained that jurisdictional authority remains unchanged: state determinations (for example, DNR navigability) and municipal annexations continue to govern regulatory authority even if the county’s map update is administrative.

Committee members asked whether the resolution would apply to federal or state data updates and whether it would change policy. Ludovic reiterated that the resolution is procedural, to keep the county’s GIS current. Supervisor Ben Conrad asked users and the public to be clear that the county cannot alter a DNR navigability determination; staff confirmed that the DNR and other state agencies retain authority for navigability and similar technical determinations.

Motion and vote: Supervisor Krebs moved the resolution, Supervisor Mary seconded, and the committee approved the resolution by voice vote. Staff said the GIS team will bring an annual report to the committee or county board summarizing administrative updates.

The committee’s action aims to reduce inconsistencies between county maps and other jurisdictions’ data — a change officials said will make permitting and compliance clearer for residents and surveyors who rely on the most current layers.","Washington County committee approved a resolution giving the county’s Natural Resources and GIS staff authority to update shoreland zoning maps administratively in response to annexations and updated state or federal data, with annual reporting to the board.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6166441,"Committee backs land-use map change, approves after-the-fact certified survey maps in Trenton",1376,250000,1626000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9&start=250&end=1626","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415548-ba7856f1a1bb2947e024d90583957fd9/thumbnail_250000.jpg","/articles/6166441/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Committee-backs-land-use-map-change-approves-after-the-fact-certified-survey-maps-in-Trenton","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166441-a146a211a1563f5d982c1ce51240ec54/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929727&Signature=FBGjBHKXjMUi26TNcb3w7hB8wVA8c8T6JcFNTdJjyzlHbcIRmIUiMmN3BkWva6DoJq9tazL~77cxcrIWws6d5wtO3HUvgeTBFGTpxN75BW0R2xGG9o6ar0jHo04TwqY5RFe8S4MZ0T7NpimtSDZR9b1RiK3JaaLXxQzrT6KA-x31EYs5ljxd~-V6~-C4J3aC3GJrazVVbiwl1d9MogEsGUNfb6p7QC3btbrUiO46aQQ1GiHMsP6sbbV7u9~VJ2-RQuuLzRkqREPtPCiAAoeA-Q1FMBHYbULwo5mFO1yzo5V6R7YZoEK9SjjH~q5lyhueClxEETYeGIqvyA0TxQHQ3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. — The Washington County Land Use and Planning Committee on July 17 recommended approval of amendment 25-2 to the Washington County 2050 comprehensive plan and approved two certified survey maps (CSMs) covering parcels in the Town of Trenton, after staff described the land division as having been recorded before county review.

County land-use staff said the amendment would reclassify a parcel from medium-density residential to suburban-density residential so that two CSMs can be approved and recorded consistently with the county comprehensive plan. Staff said the developer paused sales and is working with county staff after the CSMs were recorded without prior county sign-off.

The amendment matters because ordinances and land divisions must be consistent with the county comprehensive plan; staff said sewer-pack review found changing medium-density to suburban-density residential was consistent with regional planning, but converting isolated natural resource areas to suburban density would not be consistent with policies that protect primary environmental corridors and isolated natural resources. Staff recommended approving only the medium-density-to-suburban-density change and noted that some uses remain allowed in isolated natural resource areas, such as five-acre single-family lots.

Committee members raised procedural questions about how the CSMs were recorded before county review. Supervisor Brian Krebs asked, “Where does our approval fall in the process with the Town of Trenton?” Staff replied that the town had already updated its land-use plan and the county’s comprehensive plan must conform to that patchwork process. Staff described the filing as “a little bit after the fact,” and said the county attorney and staff asked the landowner to pause sales once the county learned the maps had been recorded.

The committee approved the recommendation with three conditions for the parcels inside the county’s shoreland jurisdiction: that all building activity in the Shoreland District obtain required shoreland permits; that applicants obtain any required stormwater-management permit or a formal waiver; and that the county board formally adopt the comprehensive-plan amendment before any sales proceed. Staff said the four lots subject to county review average about 1.5 to 2 acres, soil tests support private on-site septic, and stormwater permitting is in process.

Formal actions recorded in the meeting packet and on the record included motions to approve the resolution and ordinance implementing amendment 25-2 and to accept the two certified survey maps (CSM 7398 and CSM 7399). Motions were seconded and the committee voted to approve the resolution and ordinance and to accept the maps; the approvals are contingent on the county-board adoption of the comprehensive-plan amendment (county-board meeting noted for mid-August). Staff said that once the county board acts, the CSM recording will be updated as appropriate.

The committee directed staff to continue coordinating with the county attorney and the developer and to return any outstanding documentation required before final sales or building permits. The developer has been asked to cease marketing or sales for the affected shoreland lots until county conditions are satisfied.

The items discussed were Recommendation: approval of Resolution (amendment 25-2) and Ordinance (land-division consistency) and Approval: CSM 7398 and CSM 7399, subject to shoreland permits, stormwater approval or waiver, and county-board adoption of the comprehensive-plan amendment.","The Washington County Land Use and Planning Committee on July 17 recommended approval of a comprehensive-plan map amendment for a Town of Trenton parcel and approved related certified survey maps contingent on permits and county-board adoption.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee reviews Heritage Trails usage decline, discusses fee options and partnerships for mountain-bike trails

Committee approves Farm Bureau food-stand expansion; county may cover utility relocation

Committee approves administrative updates to shoreland zoning maps to keep GIS current

Committee backs land-use map change, approves after-the-fact certified survey maps in Trenton