[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6454395,"mediaKeyId","5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823","parentId",5860867,"title","Marathon County ERC recommends multiple rezones, approves final plat","audioSeconds",2139,"startMs",452000,"endMs",2591000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823&start=452&end=2591","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823/thumbnail_452000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454395/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Marathon-County-ERC-recommends-multiple-rezones-approves-final-plat","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454395-12e0db5c51892eeae425a0f6d8aefd3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775545402&Signature=RK9jUXZZQW0NSupd~3UdO0a5LjoeSuW1o-LsJJYNyKXQ8lQcQyE5bNQdf6zWkRo5aZPFANUMHwAB5PVzuFBuhB0R1qrfk5dM~QajpTbwGl6ku7ESt9rGTnIczrTpQ-cs8-EW1bMdiYTNzU2zbPkQaUpttSzMsdYEZTGRBBMtYz3eJ9~ieHkXvW-XNbV307XGDNMZ7Sup4uVQS6veA623J3-QPSvG9cwWrxb39QOpqoXKwe-I7kZuiIt5eJMthBFJDYRXoVdXgeMjhTkZKcL2zZpxhd1h~5KrGfUsDVF8SBcDvJBiqs~kbY0zsbaoaIhMOrJJNSLSBm8zISY-bpj2Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marathon County, WI","date","2025-09-30T19:50:12Z","article","The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee on Sept. 30 recommended approval of several rezoning petitions and approved a final subdivision plat, forwarding most items to the County Board for final action.

Committee members voted to recommend approval of rezoning petitions that would change land from general agriculture or farmland preservation to rural residential, rural estate or general agriculture in the towns of Knowlton, McMillan and others. The committee also recommended approval of a package of 234 parcels in the towns of Brighton, Eau Pleine, Hull and Marathon to align the county zoning map with the county farmland preservation plan.

The committee followed staff reports and town resolutions when voting. Garrett Poggle, Marathon County land use specialist, presented staff reports that said the petitions met zoning standards for size, frontage, access and dimensions and were consistent with applicable town comprehensive plans. Shad Harvey, Marathon County land resources manager, explained that the 234-parcel package resulted from a 2024 farmland-preservation plan update and was intended to make county zoning consistent with Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requirements.

During public comment, petitioner Ronald Hahn said he supported his rezone request. Dean Beck, Town of Easton chairman, spoke during public comment about separate county agenda items, urging caution on proposed animal-waste ordinance changes. Kevin Jean Schmiedke of Riverrun Dairy said he initially opposed proposed manure rules but after participation in a farm work group he supported the changes. David Falkalski (petitioner for Roam Properties LLC) appeared remotely to state his availability to answer questions about his petition.

Specific committee actions included: the rezone of land for Ronald Hahn (Town of Knowlton) — motion made by Supervisor Seefeldt, seconded by Supervisor Curt; motion carried; the rezone petition for Roam/Roam-sited property in the Town of McMillan (Rome/Roam Properties LLC) — motion made by Supervisor Drebeck, seconded by Supervisor Schonborn; motion carried; a petition by the Franciscan Association of Divine Mercy Inc. to rezone farmland preservation to rural estate and general agriculture in the Town of McMillan — motion made by Supervisor Schonborn, seconded by Supervisor Drabek; motion carried. The committee also moved to recommend approval of the 234-parcel package (Shad Harvey petition) and forwarded it to the County Board after a motion by Supervisor Seefeldt and a second by Supervisor Drebeck; motion carried. The committee approved the Bauer Second Addition final plat in the Town of Spencer after a staff presentation and a motion by Supervisor Seefeldt.

Most votes were taken by voice with the chairman asking \"All in favor, say aye.\" The committee record shows motions carried; the meeting transcript does not include a roll-call tally for each vote. Where towns held their own hearings and recommended action to the county committee, the committee relied on those town resolutions in its deliberations.

The committee noted that many rezones recommended to the county board are expected to require corresponding updates to town comprehensive plans if the County Board approves the changes. Shad Harvey advised that if County Board approval follows, affected towns should update their comprehensive plans to reflect the zoning changes.

The committee moved quickly through many items; several petitions were postponed or handled at the town level before coming to the committee. The committee closed the public hearings after calling for those in favor, opposed and interested; no extended public opposition was recorded in the transcript for the items decided on Sept. 30.

Votes at a glance
- Item 5(a)(1): Ronald Hahn (GA to RR, Town of Knowlton) — motion to recommend approval made by Supervisor Seefeldt; second by Supervisor Curt; outcome: motion carried (recommended to County Board).
- Item 5(a)(2): David Kilty on behalf of Pam Kilty (GA to RR, Town of Spencer) — postponed to next meeting on motion of Supervisor Drebeck.
- Item 5(a)(3): Roam Properties LLC (FP/GA to GA, Town of McMillan) — motion to recommend approval made by Supervisor Drebeck; second by Supervisor Schonborn; outcome: motion carried (recommended to County Board).
- Item 5(a)(4): Franciscan Association of Divine Mercy Inc. (FP to RE and GA, Town of McMillan) — motion to recommend approval made by Supervisor Schonborn; second by Supervisor Drabek; outcome: motion carried (recommended to County Board).
- Item 5(a)(5): County-initiated package (234 parcels in towns of Brighton, Eau Pleine, Hall and Marathon) to align zoning with the county farmland-preservation plan — motion to recommend approval made by Supervisor Seefeldt; second by Supervisor Drebeck; outcome: motion carried (recommended to County Board).
- Item 5(b)(1): Town of Texas proposed ordinance changes (town-handled amendments relating to wind/solar, animal units and definitions) — motion to approve forwarded by Supervisor Kroll; outcome: motion carried.
- Item 5(b)(2): Town-level rezone for Douglas and Bernadine Wilke (RS to C-1) — motion by Supervisor Seefeldt; second by Supervisor Schonborn; outcome: motion carried.
- Item 5(d)(1): Bauer Second Addition final plat, Town of Spencer — motion to approve by Supervisor Seefeldt; second by Supervisor Drabek; outcome: motion carried.

What it means
These recommendations will go to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors for final action. Staff repeatedly advised that towns update comprehensive plans where necessary if the County Board approves the rezones. The county committee emphasized it was applying zoning standards and town recommendations when making decisions.

Reporter note: The committee took voice votes and the transcript does not list individual vote tallies for each supervisor; motions are recorded with maker and seconder where given.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee Meeting - 9/30/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee on Sept. 30 recommended approval of several zoning changes across multiple towns, forwarded a large multi-parcel rezoning to the county board and approved a final subdivision plat.","taxTitle","Marathon County, Wisconsin","taxId",4560,"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},6454385,"Administrator and staff preview 2026 budget impacts for conservation, parks and solid waste",321,2668000,2989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823&start=2668&end=2989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","/articles/6454385/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Administrator-and-staff-preview-2026-budget-impacts-for-conservation-parks-and-solid-waste","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454385-9b43fc2e8c69b4d75cfd4381a7d2e57f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775545402&Signature=a0S9Vfgsrotcy14AjKRr2T4TiaWY4ruYuKsj4n4d18TkuluG25CwtRWCW-aFHqg6tDQzLiMfdkV47GpgAJv9U7dpzD9zylBSmKfhQhi9tQmKUw2MzdkWtseVbJLa6F5IkfffsHtZn0-sJJc51a3PWYzAJj-lWsw1~TM12QM9jcUToKKgvBItafaEyw5tRnDZF3~Ngr8IWfGBgWMdrTLejW7FIPFHU7VDsH0tRPDquc1vd40i0zEr1KBFypTEud8a9OOn2Qr0nWGlwDHroa0~KEkC9j8c13O1c318876vkI6QSKsOGEDhKN5cJCDICuqhM1QFd57L9pBCPn8X545yqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marathon County Administrator Leonard and department staff presented highlights of the proposed 2026 budget to the Environmental Resources Committee on Sept. 30, describing a largely status-quo package with targeted adjustments for department revenue, fees and staffing.

Administrator Leonard told the committee most departments under ERC (Conservation, Planning & Zoning; Parks, Recreation & Forestry; Solid Waste) worked to align fee-for-service revenue with personnel and operating costs. He said the budget includes fee increases in areas such as nonmetallic mining and park services, and that some positions were defunded countywide to accommodate the compensation plan update — roughly the equivalent of 15 full-time positions countywide, one of which was within CPZ and one within Parks, Recreation & Forestry.

Solid Waste staff described plans to reduce overtime and modify Saturday hours to control costs; staff said that department’s reserves have been depleted by recent construction and operations costs. Parks staff and the administrator said the county re-examined cost allocations for multi-jurisdictional services (for example, parks services provided to the City of Wausau and the Aging and Disability Resource Center shared across counties) to ensure intergovernmental partners share support-service expenses for HR, legal and finance.

Administrator Leonard highlighted two specific budget additions the board has directed: a minimum revenue guarantee for Central Wisconsin Airport and continued funding to address homelessness in coordination with the city of Wausau and the Health & Human Services Committee. The HR Finance chair noted the HR Finance Committee accepted the budget and that the county will publish the budget Oct. 13 and accept amendments through public hearings and committee action in November.

Committee members asked for timing and access to documents; staff said the budget was posted prior to the committee meeting and that standing committees should review and provide input in the October–November schedule. No formal committee action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff invited committee members to offer amendments before publication and the public hearing process.

","County Administrator and staff told the Environmental Resources Committee the proposed 2026 budget is largely status quo for departments under the committee, highlights include fee adjustments, position defunding and preserved funding for select priorities.",{"_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},6454390,"Marathon County staff present draft animal-waste ordinance changes, propose buffers and seasonal limits",953,3171000,4124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823&start=3171&end=4124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860867-472041dee87f9b25ece277e8c1247823/thumbnail_3171000.jpg","/articles/6454390/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Marathon-County-staff-present-draft-animal-waste-ordinance-changes-propose-buffers-and-seasonal-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454390-1133f8ab1d1ebf7173b73e0a6839ba58/orig.mp4?Expires=1775545402&Signature=l09cSLecIcXOam1WsGrh~JFStv3wYFFaQTZG5nPB6q8AdCLs2V0djngSD~08AETvX-3o5NN6C6Hr8KpUfwUmSU-p8bNvbMficx4TYYu10XkgHnp0ZJtomlb7osU9Gungx455z7gP9pbOQcsL8bXl-ODXyOaceTyR1wX7ufG~v8cqmFsqsKbVfH~GY9XkXAjMDnIY~cZGOum32a8GQxz14i6Sg7GuV7nk2~rBTAUVWSS3GIxn8w8bvZQoFrcdLW-eJAI-vC-~IbZtRkZNVg-MHQhXyJM-BeD7MnwF6ztDtbDJLXHBcHUwktM02bKkyMrCAjzkQbbp-muGt1-YQLcZuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marathon County conservation staff on Sept. 30 presented draft changes to the county animal-waste ordinance that would require winter-spreading permits or nutrient-management plans, impose a 60-day seasonal spreading limitation for medium-sized livestock operations, and establish 35-foot buffers along perennial and intermittent streams.

Kirsty Heidenreich, county conservationist, told the Environmental Resources Committee the draft is the product of more than a year of work with a farmer work group and statewide research. The draft proposes a $200 fee for a four-year winter-spreading permit, while offering a county-supported nutrient-management plan alternative for producers who prefer it. Heidenreich said the county and partner technical colleges provide nutrient-management coursework at little or no net cost to participants.

Under the draft, medium-sized operations (defined in the presentation as 300 to 999 animal units, consistent with Environmental Protection Agency medium-farm definitions used in discussion) would face a 60-day restriction on winter spreading, intended to reduce high-risk nutrient applications. Staff said large farms (1,000+ animal units) are already subject to spreading restrictions under existing rules. Heidenreich said the county’s estimate is that roughly 40–60 farms fall in the 300–999 animal-unit range and that approximately 6–10 of those still perform daily manure hauling and would need support to transition.

The draft also proposes a 35-foot perennial-grass (or equivalent) buffer adjacent to perennial and intermittent streams in which nutrient application and tillage would be restricted; staff described the buffer as likely to be sited on marginal soils in many cases and suggested landowners could manage and harvest the buffer if at least 50% is grass. Heidenreich said naturally occurring wooded stream corridors would count as compliant buffers and that staff would not require landowners to remove existing trees or vegetation.

Staff recommended contracting with outside counsel for legal review before bringing a final draft forward. Heidenreich said the county engaged attorney Jane Lindretti of Stafford Rosenbaum in Madison to review the draft; Lindretti is a former lead counsel for DATCP. Heidenreich also said the county expects to coordinate review with the incoming corporation counsel and with state agencies once ERC action is complete.

Timing and implementation outlined by staff calls for public education and outreach in November, a special ERC meeting Oct. 14 for deeper discussion, another ERC discussion Dec. 4 and potential ERC vote in December. If ERC approves, staff said the ordinance package would then be submitted to state agencies (DNR and DATCP) where the review process could take up to 90 days; staff estimated a potential County Board vote in March 2026 assuming that schedule.

During the committee question-and-answer period supervisors asked about staffing and mapping. Heidenreich said staff do not anticipate hiring new personnel and plan to reallocate existing staff time and leverage completion of other projects (for example, winding down a Fenwood Creek watershed project) to provide capacity for outreach and permit work. Garrett Poggle described a county map that overlays DNR perennial/intermittent stream data with a 35-foot buffer to show where buffers would apply, and staff said they would share the map with landowners and through county mapping services.

Committee members asked for more meetings with the farmer work group and for the county to share materials repeatedly with supervisors so they can answer constituent questions. Heidenreich said the farmer work group will continue meeting and staff will host open houses and education sessions. She emphasized the county intends a phased implementation period (discussed informally as roughly three years) to allow operations time to plan and seek cost sharing and technical assistance.

Direct quotes from the meeting include farmer Kevin Jean Schmiedke: \"I was completely against it at first... I'm in support of it... it's a doable thing, and we gotta try.\" Dean Beck, Town of Easton chairman, said of regulatory escalation: \"These type of programs start with this framework and build from there with more and more regulation... it's gonna force a lot of small farmers out,\" reflecting concern about costs for manure storage and hauling.

What’s next
Staff asked ERC members to review the draft before a special meeting Oct. 14 and signaled outreach will ramp up in November. If ERC votes to advance a revision, the county plans to submit the ordinance package to DNR and DATCP for review; that review could take up to 90 days before the County Board considers final adoption.

","County conservation staff presented draft changes to the animal-waste ordinance that would add a winter-spreading permit, seasonal spreading limits for medium farms, and 35-foot buffers along streams; staff proposed phased implementation and outside counsel review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Marathon County ERC recommends multiple rezones, approves final plat

Administrator and staff preview 2026 budget impacts for conservation, parks and solid waste

Marathon County staff present draft animal-waste ordinance changes, propose buffers and seasonal limits