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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 11/15/2011 139 Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Of November 15, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, Wisconsin The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chairman Kacvinsky at 6:12 p.m. Roll call was taken by Bayfield County Clerk, Scott Fibert as follows: Williams-present; Bichanich-present; Miller-present; Crandall- absent; Rondeau-present; Meyers-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki- present; Kittleson-present; Bennett-present; Kacvinsky-present; Rantala-present: Total 13, 11 present, 1 absent. The motion carried and a quorum was present to conduct business. The following were also present for the meeting: County Administrator, Mark Abeles- Allison; Deputy County Clerk, Dawn M. Bellile; Mary Motiff, Tourism Director; Sarah Pischer, Regional Tourism Specialist, North for the Department of Tourism; Kay Cederberg, Clerk of Circuit Court Jeremy Bates, AIS Coordinator; Carrie Linder, Human Services Aging/Disability Service Manager; Mary Willett, Representative from Congressman Sean Duffy’s Office; and Julie Buckles, Reporter for the Ashland Daily Press. 1. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. 2. Public Comment. No Comments. 3. Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ October 25, 2011 Meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes. A motion was made by Bennett/Jardine to adopt the Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ October 25, 2011 Meeting. The motion carried. 4. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-39, Honoring Jan Bergst upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Human Services Department. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Jan Bergst has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the Department of Human Services for 20 years, WHEREAS, during those 20 years, Jan touched the lives of numerous employees and citizens of Bayfield County in a positive way and was a friend to many residents and employees as well. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, honors Jan Bergst for her 20 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead. 140 By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-39 Honoring Jan Bergst upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Human Services Department. The motion carried. 5. Mary Willett, Area Representative for Congressman Sean Duffy. Willett was present in the absence of Sean Duffy who expressed his apologies for not being able to attend this evening’s meeting. Willett gave a brief background of herself and that she works out of the Superior office. A brief question and answer period was held between Willett and the County Board regarding continued improvements to US Highway 2. A lengthy discussion took place urging the re-establishment of Section 154. After the discussion, the Board thanked Willett for coming and for the help in achieving a grant for the renovation of the brownstone portion of the courthouse. 6. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Contribution to Central Cross- Country Ski for Cable. James Bolen, representative from the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, was present to discuss with the Board a possible contribution to the Central Cross-Country Ski race. A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to suspend the rules to allow Bolen to speak with the Board. The motion carried. Bolen explained that Cable is hosting an international paralympic event at Telemark this winter, and they need to guarantee that the event will happen. In order to do this, they have to be able to make snow if “mother nature” doesn’t provide it. This can be accomplished, however, they need a pump to help spread the snow on the trails as well. This is a huge event for our area as we have been told that we have better Olympic and paralympic trails for competing. A plus for us also is that we have lodging directly on the trails, something that the US Ski Teams have not been able to achieve. Dialogue was held between Bolen and the Board. A question and answer session was held regarding the dollars needed to invest for the pump for the snow machine. This investment would also help to secure tourism in the Cable area. The US Ski Team is putting dollars into this investment and Cable has to come up with approximately $250,000 in order to make this endeavor turn out favorably. A motion was made by Maki/Rondeau to seek other funding and bring it back to the full board at the December 13th meeting. The motion carried. 7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-40, Proclamation for National Caregiver’s Month. Carrie Linder, Human Services Aging/Disability Service Manager, was present to bring a few statistics to the Board’s attention regarding family caregivers. Bayfield County does a great job and she gave some scenarios for what people do before they can get home care. Supervisor Meyers applauded Linder for putting this Resolution 141 together to honor the caregiver’s of Bayfield County. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, the family is the cornerstone of our nation and the fundamental ties that connect us all are those of love, dedication, commitment and caring; and WHEREAS, more and more, family members are taking on the ultimate responsibility of caring and commitment: providing care to another family member with a long-term chronic or disabling condition; and WHEREAS, many family members who provide care to a loved one do not see themselves as caregivers, nor do they often identify themselves as needing assistance in their role. Instead, they see themselves as loving daughters and sons, spouses and partners, or parents, siblings and friends doing what anyone else would do in their circumstance; and WHEREAS, given the vital role family caregivers play in providing essential care to so many of our most vulnerable citizens, it is incumbent upon all sectors of our society to take note of these individuals and provide them with the support and assistance they need; and WHEREAS, during National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the citizens of Bayfield County who give so much of themselves to provide for the health and well-being of a beloved family member, as they are a shining example of our County’s great capacity to care for one another. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, does hereby recognize November 2011 as National Family Caregiver Month in Bayfield County. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Meyers/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-40, Proclamation for National Caregiver’s Month. The motion carried. 8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-41, Designation of Authorized Depositories for Bayfield County. Abeles-Allison explained to the Board that is generally the same Resolution year after year, however, this year, the Executive Committee added some new language regarding trust account funds. The Committee discussed being cautious and careful when allowing others to invest for us. This is a small portfolio consisting of about 15% of our fund balance. If we need more dollars, we could go to the rest of the fund balance. The Board dispensed with the reading of this Resolution, which reads as follows: 142 WHEREAS, Section 34.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes authorizes counties to invest any of their funds not immediately needed, in time deposits, in banks, or savings and loan associations, in accordance with and subject to the limitations of Wisconsin Statute §66.0603(1m), and also authorizes counties to engage in financial transactions in which the public depository agrees to repay funds advanced to it by the county plus interest, if the agreement is secured by bonds or securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Federal Government, and WHEREAS, it appears to be to the financial benefit of the County and its citizens to invest funds not immediately needed in such deposits and to enter into such financial transactions from time to time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, hereby authorize and direct the Bayfield County Treasurer to invest county funds not immediately needed either in time deposits in accordance with and subject to the limitations of Wisconsin Statute §66.0603, or by entering into financial transactions in which a public depository agrees to repay funds advanced to it by the County plus interest, if the agreement is fully secured by securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Federal Government, with any of the following financial institutions, which have been designated as public depositories for Bayfield County: Bremer Bank; trust account investments through Bremer Bank, investing in public instruments as approved by the County Executive Committee in accordance with county and state investment policies and laws; Associated Bank; Security State Bank; State Bank of Drummond, Northern State Bank; Chippewa Valley Bank; and the Local Government Investment Pool. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County funds not so invested shall be deposited in checking or savings accounts at any of the foregoing institutions. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Bussey/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-41, Designation of Authorized Depositories for Bayfield County. The motion carried with one opposition. 9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-42, Authorization for County Board Chairman, County Clerk and the County Treasurer of the County of Bayfield to make Short Term Loans. The Board dispensed with the reading of this Resolution, which reads as follows: 143 WHEREAS, it may be necessary to borrow funds on a short term basis in order to meet payrolls and other obligations including current and ordinary expenses within the next year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors of Bayfield County in annual session, assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, that the County Board Chairman of the County of Bayfield, the County Clerk, and the County Treasurer, be and they are hereby authorized to borrow funds on a short term basis in an amount not to exceed Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) in aggregate if in their opinion it should be to the County’s best interest to make such loan or loans. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-42, Authorization for County Board Chairman, County Clerk and the County Treasurer of the County of Bayfield to make Short Term Loans. The motion carried. 10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-43, Holding of Meetings as may be Necessary to Conduct Business in 2012. The Board dispensed with the reading of this Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, the several committees of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors are required in the conduct of the business of said Bayfield County, to hold and conduct committee meetings in excess of the number permitted by Statute; and WHEREAS, by action of the County Board, the number of meetings of said committees beyond the statutory limit may be extended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the several committees of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors be and they are hereby authorized to hold such meetings during the year 2012 as may be necessary to the proper conduct of the business of said Bayfield County. Dated this 15th day of November, 2011. 144 By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-43, Holding of Meetings as may be Necessary to Conduct Business in 2012. The motion carried. 11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-44, Authorizing Collection Agency to be used for Unpaid fines and Forfeitures in the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office. Kay Cederberg, Clerk of Circuit Court, was present to discuss this item with the Board. A Resolution is the first step in the procedure to have another entity collect our fines. Cederberg stated that after 10 years, if the Board so chose to, could write off any fines or forfeitures. Cederberg stated that she is not in favor of this. Bayfield County has $1.6 million in outstanding fines and forfeitures. Bayfield County offers payment plans and presently has approximately 500 plans being paid on a monthly basis. A brief discussion took place. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute §59.52(28) allows for the recovery of fines and forfeitures by the use of a debt collector. This resolution authorizes the Bayfield County Clerk of Circuit Courts to contract with a debt collector for the collection of unpaid fines and forfeitures. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Executive Committee, at their meeting in November, 2010, reviewed the collection procedure and selected a collection agency; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, by virtue of this resolution, authorizes the use of a debt collector to recover unpaid fines and forfeitures as allowed by §59.52(28) Wis. Stats; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors does authorize the Bayfield County Clerk of Circuit Court, as stated under §59.40(4), to negotiate and execute contracts with debt collectors for the collection of unpaid fines and forfeitures, and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Bayfield County Clerk of Circuit Court. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky 145 A motion was made by Bussey/Williams to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-44, Authorizing a Collection Agency to be used for Unpaid Fines and Forfeitures in the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office. Discussion took place regarding the commission the collection agency will collect which is about 21%. The motion carried. 12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-45, Application for Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant Protecting the Iron River and Delta Area Lakes. Jeremy Bates, AIS Coordinator, was present to discuss this Resolution with the Board. Bates explained that this program has already been funded, however, the Board must approve it every year. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Bayfield County is deeply committed to provide high quality and safe recreational opportunities and to preserve the natural beauties and ecosystems of the county, and WHEREAS, The Pike Chain of Lakes, the Delta Chain of Lakes and Long Lake are important water resources in the Iron River and Delta areas used by the public for recreation and enjoyment of natural beauty; and WHEREAS, public use and enjoyment of these lakes are best served by protection from the introduction of aquatic invasive species and the containment of Eurasian Water- milfoil to the Pike Chain of Lakes; and WHEREAS, the main goals of the Bayfield County AIS Strategic Plan are to maintain prevention, education and management projects for aquatic invasive species, and the lakes in the Iron River and Delta areas are high priority lakes for AIS projects; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County is qualified to carry out the responsibilities of the aquatic invasive species control project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 15th day of November, 2011, does hereby requests grant funding and assistance available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under the “Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant Program,” and hereby authorizes the County Conservationist to act on behalf of Bayfield County to: 1. Submit an application to the State of Wisconsin for financial aid for aquatic invasive species control purposes; and 2. Sign documents; and 3. Take necessary action to undertake, direct, and complete an approved aquatic invasive species control grant; and 4. Submit reimbursement claims along with necessary supporting documentation within six months of project completion date, and 146 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Land and Water Conservation Department of Bayfield County will meet the obligations of the aquatic invasive species control project including timely publication of the results and meet the financial obligations of an aquatic invasive species grant, including the prompt payment of our 25% commitment to aquatic invasive species control project costs. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors William D. Kacvinsky A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2011-45, Application for Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant Protecting the Iron River and Delta Area Lakes. The motion carried. The Board took a 10-minutes recess at 7:20 p.m. 13. A motion was made by Rondeau/Bennett to move into Executive Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e) deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session; the motion carried. **Note** “Pursuant to findings by the Attorney General, he has stated that it is no longer necessary to have a roll call vote when moving into executive session.” A motion was made to move out of executive session by Bennett/Rondeau. The motion carried. 14. Discussion and Possible Action Setting Wages for Non-Represented Employees for 2012. Abeles-Allison reported that the Personnel Committee met earlier this evening and wages for the non-represented group for 2012 were discussed. The Committee looked at the difference in wages between the non-represented and the Union. It was felt strongly that there should be a greater dividing line or separation between the union and non-represented groups. Presently the Union employees will be receiving a 2% increase in their wages in 2012. In an effort to show good stewardship for the non- represented group, it was suggested to raise their wages another to 2.5%. Discussed took place that the non-represented employees are presently taking reduction in take home pay because of the contracts being revoked for Union employees and their group was hit first. This has been a substantial cut in pay for them, realizing that a ½% doesn’t make up for the loss, but it is a good faith effort to show that the Board cares. A motion was made by Miller/Rondeau to set the wage of 2.5% for the non-represented employees for the year 2012. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Miller-yes; Crandall-absent; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey–yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-no; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Kacvinsky-yes; Rantala-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes. Total 13: 11 yes, 1 no, 1 absent. The motion carried. 147 15. Administrator’s Report: a) Brownstone Project Update and Ribbon Cutting. A very nice ribbon cutting ceremony was held this afternoon. There is still work to be done, but we are right on budget. The entire building has been repointed, new roof flashing, stones have been replaced and patched and front columns have been restored with new railing put in place. b) County Board Supervisor Election Papers. Fibert reported that he has spoken with each Supervisor and everyone is running again. He reminded the Supervisors that they cannot circulate their nomination papers until December 1st and the papers are to be turned in to his office no later than January 3, 2012. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact him. c) Per Diems and Mileage. Deadline for 2011 per diems and mileage is December 19th. This will be the last payroll done for December. d) December 13, 2011 County Board Meeting. We will need this meeting after all. The Transition Committee will be finalizing personnel policies and procedures to bring to this meeting for approval and to be put in place in January, 2012. e) Cell Tower Proposal. The second meeting for the cell tower proposal was held this evening. There were also meetings held in Drummond, Cable, Barnes, Namakagon, and Grand View. Norvado has made a couple of proposals to put in 15 to 25 towers. They want to put up money for antennas but are wondering if the Town would put up the tower. Monthly payments will pay off the loan and Norvado would pay the annual fee. Discussion on what role the County should play in this. Norvado wants commitments from the towns and need to know within the next 30 days. Norvado has described this as a “turn key,” you provide the money, we will do the work. Discussion took place and the Board members felt that the County should stay out of it. If towns aren’t interested, they will find other sources, however, they are looking to keep the monies local rather than doing business out of the area. The need approximately 10 acres per tower. f) Holiday Party. The Emergency Management, Veteran’s and Criminal Justice offices are sponsoring the Christmas Party this year. The date is December 1st from 4-6 p.m. to be held at the Washburn Cultural Center. The cost is $15.00 per person. They will need your money next week if you plan to attend. 148 g) Health Insurance Update. Four health insurance companies have submitted proposals and we have chosen one. We had 85 people in attendance. We will announce whom we have chosen at a later time. There being nothing further on the agenda for discussion, Chairman Kacvinsky adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk