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cess through the field in exchange for allowing the Mayers, and any future property owner there, to have the ability to cross the dam on a vehicle.

Earlier this month, committee members had voted 3-2 to deny granting vehicle access across the dam on concerns of the potential damage it could do to the dam structure.

The agreement, drafted by Walcisak and reviewed by the county’s attorney and shared with the Mayers, would allow limited seasonal access in exchange for easement along the ridgeline.

Walcisak noted the access would be one rod wide (16.5 feet) and would be along the centerline of the dam crest and that use of the access is limited to vehicles 10,000 lbs. or less and that there is no vehicle access allowed from March 1 through May 1. He explained this is the 60 day window of the spring thaw and when weight limits would be typically on the roads in the area.

In addition, while the Mayers would be able to brush and mow around the easement road, any improvements in the easement area must have prior approval. Mayer Farms would be responsible to repair any damage they cause and if there is damage to the dam from the easement the county can cancel it at any time.

Committee members along with Steve and Rod Mayer of Mayer Farms discussed if the easement should be between the county and current property owners or if it should be recorded with the land deed.

Rod Mayer said they would like to see it attached to the property which would ensure it continue if there were any ownership changes to the parcel. Committee member Jim Gebauer agreed saying it should go with the land.

The county will provide an additional load of gravel in the ditch area to allow for Pember to have access and will reimburse for the corn destroyed with the road access. Based on the current price of corn per bushel, Walcisak estimated the cost of the corn at $350 to $400 in value. He said they could either use an estimate now or wait until the harvest and pay the farmer renting the land based on the actual market price of the corn that was lost.

Committee members unanimously approved a motion to reconsider and grant the limited access easement in exchange for the construction access across the ridge line.

In related action, Taylor County will soon own the land under the Chelsea Lake Dam.

Committee members approved a warranty deed agreement to accept the land the dam sits on from Mayer Farms Inc. with the provision that this does not establish a precedent for future land transactions.

The county currently owns the dam but does not own the land it is on. This has been a point of contention with property owner Mayer Farms Inc. with concern raised that it would create a perception of ownership for current and potentially future property owners.

Tied in with the access agreement the county will accept the gift of approximately 1/8-acre of land under the dam structure and a 10 foot buffer. The property will be surveyed by the county’s land surveyor and staked out.

“There is no monetary exchange,” Walcisak said, noting the county will just be doing the survey work.

“It is a gift,” said Steve Mayer.

Walcisak explained that the Mayers want to divest any perception of dam ownership.

The transfer comes with an addendum made by the county’s attorney stating: “This conveyance should not be construed to establish a precedent or policy with respect to any subsequent real estate transactions involving Taylor County. The parties agree that it is a condition of grantee Taylor County’s acceptance of this conveying that Grantor will not seek to use the conveyance as a precedent to convey additional real estate to the grantee.”

Representatives of Mayer Farms said they were in agreement with the language of the property conveyance.