LEPC keeps current bylaws and confirms state as compliance inspector

The Portage County LEPC voted on Aug. 7 to retain its existing bylaws without substantive changes and to continue naming the state of Wisconsin as the designated compliance inspector for local compliance referrals.

Committee members said they and staff had reviewed the bylaws and determined it would be better to defer major revisions until next year, when corporation counsel could participate in a fuller review. The chair noted the bylaws were last approved in 2023 and recommended keeping them unchanged for the coming year.

Scott Jans explained the purpose of the compliance inspector role and the committee’s plan for referrals: if local compliance issues are identified, the LEPC or emergency management will refer matters to the Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) EPRA program manager or other appropriate state personnel. “Looking to keep that the same — the state of Wisconsin will be the compliance inspector,” Jans said.

A motion to approve the bylaws as written and to designate the compliance inspector was moved and seconded; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript records multiple members saying “aye” during the roll of voices but does not provide a formal numerical tally.

Why it matters: Bylaws govern committee membership, election timing and administrative procedures. Designating the state as the compliance inspector clarifies the referral path for facilities that do not meet planning requirements.

What’s next: A more comprehensive bylaw review will be scheduled next year, with corporation counsel involved.