Present: Roger Spindler, Terry Johnson, Jon Ebensperger, Jerry McConnell, Chris Zenner & Sandra Goulette
Call meeting to order: 6:30 pm
MOTION to accept March 11, 2026, Board Meeting Minutes by Ebensperger / Johnson, motion carried
DISCUSSION DNR Brenda Kelly talked about the Wildlife Habitat Project Updates on the 30-million-dollar Mississippi River Habitat restoration project involving island construction, dredging and ecosystem improvements. There will be a Temporary Closure of Project Area’s through 2026-2027. During active construction. This means no public access to closed areas and no camping or fires permitted. Katarina Cut will be closed to boat traffic during construction period. They will be required to use an alternate route for river access. They will be rerouted around Island 3 (same as prior years during construction). The Closure is enforceable under state and county authority. We would like to propose a Slow No-Wake Zone from the Bay City boat launch through Katarina Cut to the Back Channel. The DNR will mark slow no-wake zones if approved. They will not mark full navigation channels. This will reduce shoreline erosion and improve safety in narrow channels. The increased recreational use (camping, fishing) identified as an issue prompting restrictions. The community is encouraged to remain patient during this completion phase. The official closure signage and maps will be posted at the Bay City boat launch. Signage is already being installed on the island. The existing dredged access corridor remains usable. The project is constructed with Deep water pockets to 8 feet of fish habitat. The Island is designed to flood but remain stable. The layout is designed to reduce water flow and sedimentation.
DISCUSSION Public Works Chris said there were several snowplow complaints after the major 18-in snowstorm. We had Steve the new guy plowing and he has never plowed before. Plus, with the snow so wet and heavy we were getting stuck ourselves. Next season we would like to have a couple of back-ups. There are a couple guys that live right in town that have shown interest. Backwoods Electric should be here on Monday to do the work at the campground. Jerry and Glenn will be down to work on the sewer lines next week. Also, the street sweeper will be coming. We talked to one of the seasonal campers. We need some fabrication work done. The price he gave us is what he still owes for his seasonal spot. At this time, we think it would be a good idea to just let his work pay for the camping spot.
APPROVE / DENY – Bay City Bomber Picnic License for home games on 5/3, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 7/12, 7/19 & 7/26.
MOTION to Approve the Bay City Bombers Picnic License for home games on 5/3, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 7/12, 7/19 & 7/26 by McConnell / Ebensperger, motion carried
APPROVE / DENY – Operator License for Dominique Schexnayder
MOTION to Approve Operators License for Dominique Schexnayder by Ebensperger / Johnson, motion carried
APPROVE / DENY – Picnic License for American Legion for the Sr Lock-In fundraiser on 4/10.
MOTION to Approve Picnic License for American Legion for the Sr Lock-In fundraiser on 4/10 by McConnell / Johnson, motion carried
DISCUSSION to sell some of the excess chairs & tables at the Village Hall. Let the Jolly Seniors get the profit from them since we received them for free.
MOTION to let the Jolly Seniors sell some excess tables and chairs at their garage sale by McConnell / Ebensperger, motion carried.
DISCUSSION Tank Street needs some gravel added.
DISCUSSION McConnell / Village of Bay City property lines – Tabled for next month.
DISCUSSION Update on the IRS – Village owes approximately $100,000 due to prior clerks’ failure to pay taxes. We still haven’t gotten a call back from the IRS specialist. We have been calling weekly to try to get the past taxes paid.
DISCUSSION on Loop Road. Property owner wants the affidavits corrected as confirmed by court as 30 ft right-of-way. Dispute may reopen legally
Did not need to go into Closed Session
MOTION to Approve the bills Ebensperger / Johnson, motion carried
ADJOURN:
Submitted by:
Sandra Goulette
Clerk/Treasurer
Village of Bay City