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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 3/19/2013 356 Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Of March 19, 2013 – 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 Miller at 6:00 p.m. Roll call was taken by Bayfield County Clerk, Scott Fibert as follows: Jardine-present; Maki-present; Kittleson-present; Bennett-present; Pocernich-present; Schultz-present; Williams-absent; Bichanich-present; Miller-present; Crandall-absent; Rondeau-present; Meyers-present; Bussey-present. Total 13: 11 present, 2 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; Jason Bodine, Forest Administrator; Hope McLeod, Reporter for The Daily Press; and community residents. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. 1. Motion Regarding Minutes of February 26, 2013 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes. A motion was made by Pocernich/Meyers to adopt the Minutes of the February 26, 2013 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried. 2. Public Comment. No public comment. 3. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-17, Honoring Gail Soulier upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Clerk’s Office. Fibert said a few words about Soulier – he was proud to have her in his office. Soulier was a good, valued employee; she will be missed and he wishes her the best in her retirement. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Gail Soulier has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the Health Department for over 13 years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March, 2013, honors Gail Soulier for her over 13 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Shawn W. Miller, Chairman A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-17, Honoring Gail Soulier upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Clerk’s Office. Supervisor Kittleson stated that she was a very big help for County Fair regarding the accounting. The motion carried. 4. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-18, Honoring Sandy Swanson upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Health Department. Chairman Miller the Resolution, which reads as follows: 357 WHEREAS, Sandy Swanson has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the Health Department for over 12 years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March, 2013, honors Sandy Swanson for her over 12 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Shawn W. Miller, Chairman A motion was made by Rondeau/Bennett to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-18, Honoring Sandy Swanson upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County Health Department. The motion carried. 5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-15, Adopting an Amendment to the Bayfield County Outdoor Recreation Plan for the Towns of Bayfield, Cable & Namakagon. Supervisor Rondeau brought in a letter regarding the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBRA) proposal. Rondeau stated he has read and read the agreement, and thought it would be good to forward it to the rest of the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Bayfield County, has developed a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan; and WHEREAS, this plan outlines foreseeable outdoor recreation facility needs of Bayfield County that can be adequately maintained; and WHEREAS, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) requested that we amend our Outdoor Recreation Plan to include the following changes and improvements so that the projects will be eligible for grant funding: Town of Bayfield Add to Recommended Improvements:  Develop mountain bike trails at and adjacent to Mt. Ashwabay Town of Cable CAMBA BIKE TRAILS: Add to Recommended Improvements:  Rehabilitate and improve Ojibwe Trail  Develop connecting trail to existing trails in Town of Namakagon Town of Namakagon Add to Recommended Improvements:  Develop connecting trail to existing trails in Town of Cable NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors hereby formally adopt this amendment to the Bayfield County Outdoor Recreation Plan. 358 A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2013-15 Adopting an Amendment to the Bayfield County Outdoor Recreation Plan for the Towns of Bayfield, Cable & Namakagon. A brief discussion took place. The motion carried. 6. Discussion and Possible Action on Trails in the Tourism/Forestry Department. Abeles-Allison informed the Board that the Tourism, Fair, Forestry and Executive Committees have discussed this in great detail and have made a proposal to move oversight of the County Trial System from Tourism to the Forestry Department and a reorganization of the Fair and Tourism to allow more time to be spent on tourism activities. The Committees are recommending approve of this proposal which is stated as follows:  Increase staffing of Forestry by 1 FTE and move trails to Forestry;  Increase Fair by .3 FTE to provide additional fair support;  Reduce support staff in Tourism after 12 months from 1.0 FTE to .5 FTE;  Guarantee all existing staff full time employment;  Make this effective June 1, 2013; and  Direct departments to provide budget adjustments and ordinance revisions for the April meeting. The project is proposed to take the trail component for both motorized and non- motorized trails (ATV & Snowmobile) out of the Tourism Department and put it into the Forestry Department. Abeles-Allison explained the scenario and what it will accomplish which is outlined above. After 12 months, the tourism support would then go down to ½ time since the trail grants, administration and recording would now be handled by the Forestry Department. The County wants to make it clear that support is to continue this position as full time, effective June 1st. If we do this, he will direct Department Heads to address budget adjustments and make ordinance revisions as needed. Supervisor Schultz addressed the Board stating he felt this information provide is incorrect. He disagreed with Abeles-Allison’s opening statement, “the two most important economic drivers in Bayfield County, Wisconsin are Forestry and Tourism.” Schultz believes this to be inaccurate and states that our real economic driver is 2nd or absentee homes. We value tourism, but, it is not on the same level as an economic driver. When you get into the goals, He stated that in order to generate the increase in sales tax they would have to generate approx. $13 million. He further went on to state facts and figures regarding the Town and City of Bayfield. Schultz stated the information submitted to us this evening cannot be acted upon with out further discussion. Supervisor Jardine, disagreed with Schultz. Tourism does bring in money from 2nd home owners, however, they stay here and generate tourism dollars. He stated one reason why there are more dollars to go after is because the Tourism Director does not have the time to go after more now. If she was freed up from the responsibilities of the above, she would have more time to devote strictly to tourism. 359 Supervisor Kittleson stated that as a county we were trying to find which direction to go with tourism. The fair is getting bigger; the Tourism Department also has located within it the fair and County trails. The trails are taking quite a bit of time. Kittleson stated that this has gone through all committees, has been approved. At this point, we feel it is best to take care of all stakeholders, that they wanted to have more out of their Tourism Department. If it this doesn’t work after a year, we will revisit. A motion was made by Kittleson/Jardine approve the Tourism/Forestry Reorganization Proposal for 2013. A very lengthy discussion took place about what we can vote on this evening. The agenda only states trails in the Tourism and Forestry Departments and says nothing about reorganization and employees in the departments. It was suggested to put this on next month’s agenda. Supervisor Schultz spoke again. He informed the Board that out of 72 counties in Wisconsin, only Vilas, Oconto, Marinette, Green, and Florence counties have a Tourism Director. In Florence County, this position is combined with Economic Development. As far as listening to the stakeholders, out of the 28 people were present at stakeholders meeting, 7 of them were paid by another agency to be at the meeting, so this doesn’t really represent stakeholders. Supervisor Maki, asked about forestry related activities. Jason Bodine, Forestry Administrator, responded regarding the position of the Forestry Department as well as taking on trails. He discussed with the Board the options as outlined. Maki stated that if we aren’t careful, we are going to be more focused on tourism than our forest management. Supervisor Pocernich, spoke on the fact that we are adding, not decreasing anything in Tourism Dept. As the proposal offers, after 1 year we would reduce staffing from full time to ½ time, and finding another ½ time position for this person to work in . Focusing on the fair, this person will work full time for the entire 4 days for the Fair, then go from 80% fair and 20% tourism. Supervisor Bussey stated that he is not on any committees, but has read the proposal, listed to the everyone’s comments, and he thought it made sense. It is possible it won’t work. Discussion continued until a call for the question was made. A motion was made by Bussey/Meyers to postpone the matter until the April County Board Meeting. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Maki-no; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-no; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-no; Williams-absent; Bichanich-no; Miller-yes; Crandall-absent; Rondeau-no; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes. Total 13: 6 yes, 5 no, 2 absent. The motion carries. The first motion dies as second motion takes precedence. 7. Discussion on Bayfield County Food Producer Coop Lease Agreement at Ag Station. Abeles-Allison gave a brief summary on what has taken place. At present Bayfield County is in a 5-year lease with AERC. They control the entire parcel with some 360 exceptions. The Bayfield Regional Food Producers Cooperative(BRFPC), is interested in renting the machine shed, as an aggregation facility. The BRFPC has 18 farms that are part of the Cooperative. They are local farmers, fishers, and wine and cheese-makers who directly support extended families in our region and a variety of local businesses supplying animal feed, farm equipment, fertilizer and expertise. The BRFPC is in need of a centralized location to gather, sort, and package various products from the 18 members for weekly distribution throughout the region. The Ag Station is an ideal location for a number or reasons. They have come to us for the hopeful possibility of renting the building for a 5-year term. The Executive Committee has listened to them, have heard the terms they are looking at, but wanted the full Board to hear what is being proposed. If the County was ever in a position to sell the parcel which building sits on, the BRFPC would like the chance to purchase the land the building sits on. The Executive Committee wanted this placed on the agenda for a discussion only item. They felt it was big enough that the entire Board should be made aware of the proposal in front of them. Discussion took place on who would be responsible for the utilities, and it was stated that the BRFPC would put in a separate meter for water and electric utilities. They would, however, like access to rest rooms which are located in a different building on the premises. A motion was made by Meyers/Pocernich to suspend the rules to allow Jennifer Sauter-Sargent to speak to the Board. The motion carried. Sauter- Sargent stated that she and her husband own Spirit Creek Farm. She is on the Board for the BRFPC. The BFRPC is looking at this facility as a focal point. An tentative agreement has been prepared which outlines the proposal of the County and the BRFPC. Supervisor Schultz stated that the Board should allow the Executive Committee to negotiate with this group. Supervisor Bussey stated he is in favor of this as well. We are all concerned about economic development and this a real important component. This deserves our support and encouragement. Bussey is in favor of a 5-year lease. It doesn’t preclude the County from selling the property. If the BRFPC is willing to commit to upgrading the building, it will make it more valuable if and when the county wants to sell. A right of first refusal could also be entered into. We are always hoping for something like this, and here it is. Supervisor Jardine stated that they discussed this at the Executive Committee and it was their intent to bring this to the full Board so that they are aware of what is happening. Supervisor Maki asked how much land is involved in this lease. The land in question is a 20’x50’ building. This doesn’t have anything to do with the AERC Lease. Supervisor Kittleson stated that we are only charging $50/month for rent and after 1½ years, we can renegotiate. They need a facility to be up and operating on May 1st. Supervisor Pocernich was in favor and stated wanted them to be able to move in as soon as possible even it if it rent free. Supervisor Meyers agreed with Pocernich. She stated there is a lot of support for this and we need to get them in as soon as possible. 361 The Executive Committee and Abeles-Allison have the consensus from Board to work together with the BFRPC to make it happen. 8. The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors may entertain a motion to move in and out of Executive Session. A motion was made by Pocernich/Meyers to move into executive session, pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility; and §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; and allow Linda Coleman of Spears & Carlson to remain in executive session as well. The motion carried. A motion was made by Meyers/Bichanich to move out of Executive Session. The motion carried. 9. §19.85(1)(e), Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Wage Increase for Teamsters Union. A motion was made by Bichanich/Meyers to approve the 2% wage increase, retroactive to March 2, 2013 for the Teamsters Union. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-absent; Rondeau-yes; Meyers- yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes. Total 13: 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. The motion carries. 10. §19.85(1)(c), Interim Planning & Zoning Administrator Position and Next Step. A motion was made by Jardine/Bennett to approve Schierman as the full-time Zoning Administrator, giving him a $1.00/hr wage increase, effective March 20, 2013. The motion carried. 11. Administrator’s Report: Abeles-Allison reported that he, Kittleson, and Crandall attended a WCA meeting in Hayward. It was a 30hour session on how the state budget has impacted counties in Wisconsin. Discussion took place on the State highways and what can be expected for maintenance dollars on our highways. Discussion was held regarding fees being charged in the Register of Deed’s offices statewide and what accounts they are specified to. The Secretary of the DOT was also present. There will be an April 18th ribbon cutting for the Scenic By-way and Governor Walker has been asked to attend. There will also be grants available to townships for various reasons who are located on the By-Way. 12. Supervisors’ Reports: a) Privatizing Jobs. Supervisor Schultz stated that he saw this article in the newspaper and thought it was worth mentioning. He stated that the tighter budgets get on companies, more and more are using services that job out work. While he realizes that change is difficult, this might be something to think about for the future. companies are b) Supervisor Maki stated that some time ago, he asked for the Board to receive closed session minutes. He was informed that they would start 362 to be given out, and for a while they were received. Now again, we are no longer receiving these minutes and he was inquiring as to why not. He stated that when situations arise in closed session either at County Board meetings or other committee meetings, the Supervisors are often not made aware of what is going on especially if this wasn’t one of their committees or if they were absent. He is requesting another time that closed session minutes be sent. Abeles-Allison stated that he would see that this is done. c) Supervisor Pocernich stated that he had asked Abeles-Allison and Fibert to have the Jailer classification status put on the agenda for discussion this evening. He stated that it was removed from the agenda as a second opinion is being sought. Attorney Coleman spoke and stated that her office has reviewed the situation the suggested resolution, and are working on crafting an opinion. They have not yet issued an opinion letter, but when it is done, they will issue it directly to Miller who can then share it with the Board. Supervisor Bussey also stated that he submitted a resolution which was contingent, and he initially asked that this matter, along with Supervisor Pocernich’s concerns, be placed on the agenda at this meeting, and, if it wasn’t going to be placed on the agenda for discussion then he would formally submit that resolution so that under the rules of the County Board, it would have to be on the agenda. Since then, Abeles-Allison and Miller have advised us that it would be worthwhile to get a second opinion from our corporation counsel. In light of that, I am agreed and did not seek to have this placed on the agenda for this meeting. This should, however, be placed on the agenda for the next meeting after we receive the second opinion so that the whole County Board can make an ultimate decision after we have received all of the information. There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Miller adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk SSF/dmb