County wants commitment on shed

Taylor County is waiting for more information before moving forward to build a new groomer shed at the Winter Sports Area.

Building and grounds supervisor Joe Svejda told members of the county’s building and grounds committee on Aug. 27 that he was approached by Dave Lemke of the Medford Lions Club with the offer of financial support from the Lions to build an improved shed for the tracked-UTV purchased in 2014 and used to groom trails at the recreation area.

Currently, the machine is kept in a small unheated shed near the top of the tubing hill. Svejda said there is a real risk of damage to the expensive tracks on the UTV by keeping them stored in the cold. He noted there is a shed near the base of the hill that currently has a roof over a gravel area. He proposed using that roofline, raising it and putting sidewalls on and pouring a concrete floor to build a 16x20 foot shed. There is power to that structure already allowing them to install a heater.

Svejda said in the past the structure has been used to sell concessions for events, but that in recent years the buildings and grounds crew has used it to store bales of hay that they use to stop tubers at the base of the hill.

Svejda estimated the cost of the project not including the concrete would be about $3,800.

Committee member Dan Makovsky supported the idea of the project, noting it would help make the county’s UTV and groomer last longer. He guessed the total project would be under $15,000. However, committee member James Gebauer said he wanted a commitment from the Lions and other groups before they moved forward with the project.

The Lions have taken over the running of the annual Perkinstown Snowshoe Race held each winter at the recreation area. Earlier this summer the previous organizers of the event had approached the county about ideas for donating toward upgrades at the facility. It was discussed that that group may be willing to contribute toward the new shed.

In other business, committee members:

_ Received an update on the county campgrounds and boat landings. Svejda noted that he was told by a staff member in the department that at the rate of usage they will need to build bigger money boxes at the boat landings for those paying to use them. The county imposed a nominal fee for the use of the boat landings a few years ago as a way to generate funds that go toward upkeep and improvements of the landings. Svejda said he has been out at Miller Dam at 10 a.m. on weekdays and has seen 15 trucks with boat trailers parked there. “Things are going good,” he said.

_ Approved a resolution recognizing the many years of service from retired buildings and grounds supervisor Jeff Ludwig. It will be presented to him at an upcoming county board meeting.

_ Received an update on projects including the planned replacement of the roof on the pavilion at Sackett Lake Park.