Mayor’s Family Caught in Years-Long Easement Controversy—Backroom Dealings in Superior?

An ongoing easement dispute in Superior, WI—stretching back to at least 2018—has sparked concerns over political favoritism and conflicts of interest. At the heart of the controversy? Mayor Jim Paine’s own family.

City Hall’s Push to Change Easement Rules for the Mayor’s Relatives

Emails from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reveal that Mayor Paine’s administration has actively lobbied to reduce easement restrictions on property owned by his aunt and uncle, Frederick and Nancy Paine. Instead of enforcing existing regulations, city officials have sought special treatment—negotiating a resolution that would directly benefit the mayor’s family.

Mayor’s Office Pressures DNR for Special Consideration

For years, the DNR has flagged this property for easement violations. But rather than ensuring compliance, Mayor Paine’s office has led a sustained campaign to alter the rules in the Paines’ favor.

Internal emails expose City Chief of Staff Rebecca Scherf persistently pressuring the DNR for meetings on the issue. In one email dated February 16, 2023, Scherf requests a follow-up meeting to discuss reducing the easement area—a move that would rewrite the rules to favor the Paine family. By July 13, 2023, city officials, growing impatient, demanded updates, pressing the agency for a decision.

DNR Pushes Back—But for How Long?

Despite relentless pressure from city officials, the DNR has not rushed to approve the mayor’s requests, instead opting for further legal review. But with the city persistently advocating for a resolution that benefits the mayor’s relatives, serious questions arise:

• Is this about good governance—or political favors?
• Would regular citizens receive the same treatment?
• Or is being connected the real key to success in Superior?

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Email #1 – December 5, 2022

DNR Proposes Resolution for Easement Violations

From: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
To: Attorney Prell (City of Superior), Councilor Van Sickle (City of Superior)
Cc: Mayor Jim Paine (City of Superior), Various DNR Officials
Date: December 5, 2022, 3:24 PM
Subject: DNR Letter re. Resolution of Easement Violations by Reducing Easement Area

Attorney Prell and Councilor Van Sickle,

Please find attached a letter, with reference documents, from the Department of Natural Resources proposing a resolution to an easement issue with the Paine family.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Secretary’s Director James Yach.

Paper copies will also be sent via U.S. Mail to Frederick L. & Nancy Paine and Frederick A. & Dawn Paine.

Have a great afternoon.

We are committed to service excellence.
Visit our survey at dnr.wi.gov/customersurvey to evaluate how I did.

Adam Lindsey
Paralegal – Bureau of Legal Services
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
Phone: (608) 261-0767
adam.lindsey@wisconsin.gov

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Email #2 – February 16, 2023

City of Superior Requests a Meeting with DNR

From: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
To: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
Date: February 16, 2023, 11:12 AM
Subject: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Good morning Adam,

We are in town next week for Superior Days, and Mayor Paine was hoping to have a follow-up meeting with DNR regarding the easement violations.

Would you be available for a meeting on Monday?

Thank you,

Rebecca Scherf
Chief of Staff to the Mayor
City of Superior
Phone: (715) 395-7480

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Email #3 – February 16, 2023

DNR Redirects City to Staff Attorney Kowalkowski

From: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
To: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
Cc: Michael Kowalkowski (DNR Attorney)
Date: February 16, 2023, 11:26 AM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Ms. Scherf,

Mayor Paine met with DNR Staff Attorney Michael Kowalkowski on this issue, and he is copied on this email.

Please work directly with him to set up a meeting.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Have a great day!

We are committed to service excellence.
Visit our survey at dnr.wi.gov/customersurvey to evaluate how I did.

Adam Lindsey

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Email #4 – February 16, 2023

City of Superior Seeks Contact Confirmation

From: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
To: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
Date: February 16, 2023, 11:38 AM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Adam,

The issue below is correct. Mayor Paine met with someone from your office who drafted a letter on January 11. Unfortunately, we do not have a record of the name.

Any insight on who that was would be appreciated!

Rebecca Scherf

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Email #5 – June 12, 2023

City of Superior Follows Up After Months of Silence

From: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
To: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
Date: June 12, 2023, 1:09 PM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Hello Adam,

The Mayor would like to set up another meeting or call regarding the easement issue.

Can you assist in identifying the best contact person for him?

Thank you,

Rebecca Scherf

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Email #6 – June 13, 2023

DNR Still Waiting for Internal Response

From: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
To: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
Date: June 13, 2023, 9:05 AM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Rebecca,

I am still waiting for information on who needs to be involved from DNR.

I will let you know as soon as I get confirmation.

Have a great day!

Adam Lindsey

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Email #7 – July 13, 2023

City of Superior Again Requests an Update

From: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
To: Adam Lindsey (DNR)
Date: July 13, 2023, 1:43 PM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Hello,

We have still not heard back from Attorney Kowalkowski.

Could you please ask him for an update?

Thank you,

Rebecca Scherf

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Email #8 – July 18, 2023

DNR Attorney Kowalkowski Finally Responds

From: Michael Kowalkowski (DNR)
To: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
Date: July 18, 2023, 11:37 PM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Hello Rebecca,

My apologies for the delay.

I have been extremely busy preparing for a trial, and we have also had a DNR staff retirement, which has caused further delays as we bring in a new staff member.

I will not be able to meet with Mayor Paine this week, but I appreciate his willingness to meet.

I propose a virtual meeting during the week of August 7.

Please provide available times, and I will send an invite.

Best,

Michael Kowalkowski

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Email #9 – July 27, 2023

DNR Reaffirms Future Meeting Plans

From: Michael Kowalkowski (DNR)
To: Rebecca Scherf (City of Superior)
Date: July 27, 2023, 1:00 PM
Subject: RE: Proposed Meeting with DNR re. Resolution of Easement Violations

Hello Rebecca,

I just wanted to follow up on scheduling the meeting. Let me know if there are any preferred times.

Best,

Michael Kowalkowski