Chippewa County board re-elects Jim Martin as chair, approves Scott Shackleton as vice-chair and fills multiple board seats

Jim Martin was re-elected chairman of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners at the board’s organizational meeting on Jan. 7, 2025, and Commissioner Scott Shackleton was elected vice-chair. The meeting, called to order by County Clerk Steven Woodgate at 4:30 p.m. in the 91st District Courtroom, also took routine organizational actions and confirmed appointments to several county and regional boards.

The board approved the meeting agenda, accepted the Dec. 19, 2024 regular board minutes and accepted correspondence received in the clerk’s office. The board then considered multiple appointments. Motions to appoint or reappoint candidates were carried either by unanimous voice vote or by roll-call tally depending on the item.

Key appointments confirmed by the board included: Carmine Bonacci to the Building Code of Appeals (term to 12/31/2026); Thomas Boger to the Department of Health & Human Services (term to 10/31/2028); Robert Savoie to the Department of Veterans Affairs (term to 3/31/2029); Thomas McKee to the E 9-1-1 board (term to 12/31/2026); James Parker to the Economic Development Corporation (term to 3/31/2031); Jeffrey Middlestead to the EUP Transportation Authority (term to 12/31/2027); Ivan Gable to the Hiawatha Behavior Health board (term to 3/31/2028); and Chuck Moser to the Road Commission (term to 12/31/2030). Sheila Bergdoll and Jerald Campbell were re-appointed to the Superior District Library Board and UP State Fair Authority, respectively, with their terms recorded in the minutes.

Chairman Martin announced his 2025 chair’s appointments and committee assignments, designating liaisons and committee chairs across finance, building and grounds, personnel/equalization, transportation, health and social services, and other responsibilities. The board approved the 2025 meeting schedule and holiday schedule, adopted county bylaws and rules of procedure, approved the organization chart, accepted an annual policy review, and approved December claims and accounts for the county and health department; each measure passed on voice votes.

Commissioner Shackleton said he was pleased to be back on the board and looked forward to working with colleagues; Commissioner Knepper said the board took appointments seriously and thanked outgoing EUPTA member Nicholas Huyck for his service. The board adjourned at 5:06 p.m.