HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 2/25/2014
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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
Of February 25, 2014 – 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 County Clerk, Scott Fibert as
follows: Schultz-via telephone conference; Williams-present; Bichanich-present; Miller-
present; Crandall-present; Rondeau-present; Meyers-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-
present; Maki-present; Kittleson-present; Bennett-present; Pocernich-present. Total: 13,
12 present, 1 present via telephone conference. A quorum of board members was present.
The following individuals were also present for the meeting: Mark Abeles-Allison, County
Administrator; Dawn M. Bellile, Deputy County Clerk; Kay Cederberg, Clerk of Circuit
Court; Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice Coordinator, Paul Susienka, Sheriff; Terri
Kramolis, Health Director; Fred Bourg, District Attorney; Mary Motiff, Tourism
Director; Mike Bailey and other Bayfield County residents.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
1. Motion Regarding Minutes from the January 21, 2014 Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes.
The minutes are published on the County’s website for public review. A motion was made
by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt the minutes of the January 21, 2014 Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried.
2. Public Comment:
Kay Cederberg, Clerk of Circuit Court, spoke to the Board inviting them and the
public to an Estate Law/ Planning Presentation at the Ashland County Courthouse on
February 26th from 5-8 pm. This presentation is sponsored by both Ashland and Bayfield
Counties and is open to anyone; however seating is limited, so make your reservations.
Mary Motiff, Tourism Director, spoke on the “ice cave mania” that has taken place
this winter. It is said that there have been approximately 70,000 people who have been
out to see this grand sight, despite our winter storms and below zero weather. There was
another “ice cave” meeting held today with numerous other entities, and it is anticipated
that we will have the huge crowds of people every weekend until the ice is unsafe to walk
on, which is expected a few weeks from now. This is taking up quite a bit of her time as
her office is acting like a “chamber of commerce” for Town of Port Wing since they do not
have one. Motiff’s office has been taking on other necessary duties which normally would
not have been needed.
The new Website is up and running. There are still a few kinks to work out!
The International Paralympic World Championships will be held here held next year
at this time. This is huge in a non-Olympic year. We will be hosting the opening/closing
ceremonies which are a big deal and a lot of planning will need to be done throughout the
state; big names and sponsors will be involved. Where the ceremonies will take place is
still in the planning stages.
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The Birkebeiner went well with all of the challenges of this winter’s weather. The
weight of the snow collapsed tents, but it still went off well. There were lots of people.
3. Presentation Regarding the (AERC) Agricultural Energy Resource Center.
Mike Bailey was present to give a power point presentation to the Board along with 3 other
individuals, Richard Ketring, President; Jamie Tucker, Director; and John Adams, Director.
The purpose of the presentation tonight is communication. We wanted to tell you who we
are and what direction we are going in. The AERC has been managing the experimental
farm for the past 4 years. Bailey gave an overview highlighting the history, evolution and
current status of the RFP; successes and current financial status; and regional economic
potential. (A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be viewed in the County Clerk’s
office).
After the presentation discussion took place regarding Bayfield County putting out
a request for proposals for the experimental farm property. AERC was asked if it was
their intent to submit a proposal which they responded it was. This document, however, is
not that proposal but to address dialogue between the two entities. AERC had not yet told
Bayfield County their intentions and likewise Bayfield County had not yet told theirs.
Bailey was asked to summarize in one paragraph what they wanted to see through the
AERC, which he replied that this started out as a research facility, and it is recognized
that there is a need for a service bureau and potentially a physical distribution center
either on the farm or not. He stated he is interested in finding the data to determine if
that should happen. There should be recognition to work together as a region and be
economically independent. There being no further discussion, the Board thanked the
gentlemen for their presentation.
4. Presentation on How Criminal Justice Process Works. Sheriff Paul
Susienka was present to explain how the system works through a power point presentation.
(A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be viewed in the County Clerk’s office).
Susienka stated that the presentation depicted criminal cases as they flow throughout the
criminal justice system. The primary goal is to show the decision making process and
procedures involved in applying Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD). There are
visual depictions of states of process followed by narrative explanation. The diagrams
gave a general description of the criminal case process then Susienka gave more focused
specific steps in which the assessments and treatment options are used. All of this is a
shared process and he thought it would be good for the Board to see how the process
works. He stated that a lot of terms are thrown around and that he was trying to
illustrate and explain the process via diagram overview. Susienka further stated that the
Criminal Justice Department wants a better attitude from the individual than when he/she
went in to the system, stating with that that some people just don’t change. We are
dealing with everyone and on an individual case. A brief discussion took place
We want attitude to be better, alternate to be better than when they went in.
Staff does an outstanding job, some people don’t change, but, we deal with everyone
according to each case. Good processing, information, etc.
The Board thanked Susienka and the Criminal Justice Board for the presentation.
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5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-07, Establishing Total Annual
Compensation for Bayfield County Clerk of Circuit Court, County Sheriff, and County
Coroner and all other Compensation for all Elected Officials Pursuant to Wis.
Stats.§59.22. Abeles-Allison explained that the Personnel Committee met and Rondeau
served as the liaison between the two (2) groups. The terms of this resolution
establishing salaries for elected officials needs to be agreed to before elected officials
can take out papers to run for office around April 15th and is required by State law. This
has been to the Executive Committee and they stated they wanted this passed on to the
full Board for passage. There are two (2) resolutions in your packet. The only difference
is the wages in each. We are trying to think to the future for compensation and this
resolution sets the wage, notes WRS, and health insurance. It also will be the set
compensation for elected officials as well as other department heads. Specifically, it is
the proposed salary for the upcoming term. Abeles-Allison also pointed out that
Supervisor Schultz submitted a document of an informal survey from a number of counties
with similar wage situations. This can be found in the Board’s drop box. Discussion on
what happens if law changes regarding WRS and Abeles-Allison stated that the County
would be locked into this for the next 4 years. The Resolution that Abeles-Allison is
recommending for adoption is the 2nd Resolution. The Board dispensed with the reading of
the Resolution, which reads as follows:
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-07, Establishing Total Annual Compensation for
Bayfield County Clerk of Circuit Court, County Sheriff, and County Coroner and all
other Compensation for all Elected Officials Pursuant to Wis. Stats.§59.22
WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.22(1), the County Board must establish the
total annual compensation for services to be paid to county elected officials prior to the
earliest time for filing nomination papers for the county elective office; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to establish the total annual compensation for
county elected officials, which is separate and distinct from the fringe benefits offered
by the County to elected officials, and which fringe benefits are subject to increase or
decrease during the officer’s term at the discretion of the Board and in accordance with
state and federal law; and
WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials
may participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with state law; and
WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials
may elect to receive health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as the
health insurance coverage offered to non-represented managerial county employees; and
WHEREAS, the position of Register in Probate is a judicial appointment and this
position may be held by the Clerk of Court.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 25th day of February, 2014, approves the total annual
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compensation for county elected officials under Wis. Stat. §59.22(1) shall be as follows,
effective on the first day of a term of office that begins after the date of this
Resolution:
Elected Official Compensation:
2015 2016 2017 2018
Sheriff $ 67,859 $ 69,216 $ 70,601 $ 72,013
Clerk of Court $ 56,185 $ 57,385 $ 58,533 $ 59,703
Coroner $ 5,656 $ 5,770 $ 5,885 $ 6,003
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Clerk of Court is appointed to the position
of Register in Probate, and shall receive an annual stipend above and beyond the Clerk of
Court compensation listed in the compensation schedule above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned county elected officials are
entitled to participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with law and the
County shall pay its share of contributions required by law. The wages here are calculated
with the idea that all elected officials, including the sheriff, are paying the employee
share of WRS; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the county will compensate elected officials for
unused sick leave, upon reaching the age of 55, if they worked and accrued compensable
sick leave with Bayfield County prior to taking elected office. Compensation will be based
on county policy and formula as reflected in the letter in the employees personnel file.
Such compensation shall be in addition to the compensation identified in the compensation
schedule above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned county elected officials are
entitled to participate in the County’s health insurance program subject to the terms and
conditions of the program, which may be modified from time to time, under the same
terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage offered to non-represented
managerial county employees.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn W. Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Pocernich/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2014-07, Establishing Total Annual Compensation for Bayfield County Clerk of
Circuit Court, County Sheriff, and County Coroner and all other Compensation for all
Elected Officials Pursuant to Wis. Stats.§59.22. Discussion again took place as to why
this is coming from the Executive Committee and not the Personnel Committee. The
response was that Personnel is usually used for employees and the Executive Committee is
used for elected officials. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Williams-yes;
Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes;
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Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-abstained; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-
yes,via telephone conference. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention, the motion
carried.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-03, Authorizing Participation in
Outdoor Motorized Recreation Trail Aids, Stewardship Local Assistance Grant
Programs and Federal Recreation Trails. Abeles-Allison explained the purpose of this
Resolution. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as
follows:
Authorizing Participation in Outdoor Motorized Recreation Trail Aids, Stewardship
Local Assistance Grant Programs and Federal Recreation Trails Act
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is interested in maintaining, acquiring, insuring, and/or
developing lands for the public outdoor purposes as described in the application; and
WHEREAS, financial aid is required to carry out the projects; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has budgeted a sum sufficient to complete the
projects; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, assembled this 25th day of February, 2014, hereby authorizes Jason Bodine,
Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Administrator to:
1. From calendar year 2014 through calendar year 2018, submit an application to the
State of Wisconsin of Natural Resources for any financial aid that may be available;
and
2. File reimbursement claims along with all necessary supporting documentation within
six months of the project completion date; and
3. Sign all documents pertaining to the project or application; and
4. Take necessary action to undertake, direct and complete all approved projects; and
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Meyers/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2014-03, Authorizing Participation in Outdoor Motorized Recreation Trail Aids,
Stewardship Local Assistance Grant Programs and Federal Recreation Trails Act.
Discussion took place, the motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-04, Amend 2013 Agricultural
Station Budget. Abeles-Allison explained the Resolution. The Board dispensed with the
reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
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Request to Amend 2013 Ag Station Budget
WHEREAS, expenses for the maintenance and repair of the Ag Station facilities
and grounds exceeded the funds budgeted in FY2013 by $6,678;
WHEREAS, a portion of property and the Ag Station was sold in FY2013;
WHEREAS, major roof improvements together with several unexpected sewer line
repairs were made in 2013;
WHEREAS, the 2013 budget does not reflect the additional revenues or
expenditures related to the sale of land or sewer repairs;
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Executive Committee has reviewed this budget
amendment and recommended approval to the County Board.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 25th day of February, 2014 amends the 2013 Ag Station budget as follows:
Increase account 770-77-49401 (Sale of Larger General Fixed Assets) by $6,678.
Increase account 770-77-56130-50290 (Contractual Services) by $3,336.
Increase account 770-77-56130-50210 (Professional Services) by $1,636.
Increase account 770-77-56130-50510 (Insurance) by $309.
Increase account 770-77-56130-50240 (Repair & Maintenance) by $1,375.
Increase account 770-77-56130-50315 (Advertising) by $22.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Crandall/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2014-04, Request to Amend 2013 Ag Station Budget. A roll call vote was taken
as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes;
Schultz-yes,via telephone conference; Williams-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no. The
motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-05, Amend 2013 Highway
Department Budget. Abeles-Allison reported that this Resolution is being withdrawn as
after a second look the Highway Department budget is fine the with the way it stands.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-06, Amend 2013 Squad Fleet
Motor Pool Fund. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads
as follows:
2013 SQUAD CAR FLEET BUDGET AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, revenues and expenditures will exceed the budgeted amount for
FY2013 for the County Squad Car Motor Pool Fund; and
WHEREAS, the cost of peripheral equipment for squad cars exceeded the
anticipated costs in the FY2013 budget; and
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WHEREAS, the cost of the equipment is amortized and depreciated over a period
of time; and
WHEREAS, sale of depreciated vehicles exceeded the revenues anticipated for
the sale of these vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the County Executive Committee reviewed and approved this resolution
at their meeting on February 13, 2014 and recommended it be forwarded to the County
Board for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 25th day of February, 2014 approves the following budget
amendments:
Increase 2013 County Squad Motor Pool expense account:
760-76-52120-50540 by $19,718
Increase 2013 County Squad Motor Pool revenue account:
760-76-49401 by $19,718
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Pocernich/Meyers to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2014-06, 2013 Squad Car Fleet Budget Amendment. A roll call vote was taken as
follows: Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-
yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-yes,via telephone
conference; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no. The motion
carried.
At this time the Board took a short recess returning at 7:10 p.m. Supervisor
Schultz disconnected himself from the meeting.
10. State of the County Address. For the first time in Bayfield County’s
history, a State of the County Address was given by Administrator Abeles-Allison and
Chairman Miller. Abeles-Allison thought we should have a state of the county address
highlighting the successes of 2013 and the challenges before Bayfield County in the
future. The Address was done by both via a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the
following:
Infrastructure:
1) Façade award on the restoration project we did on the courthouse building;
2) 4 Corners CTH E Culvert;
3) Paving of Co Hwy C;
4) Ag Station and farm house roof repairs, structurally sound, roofs;
5) Delta park playground;
6) Switches for IT Infrastructure;
7) Forestry Building;
8) Sidewalk Repairs;
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9) Roof Repair on Horse Barn;
Finances
1) Cash balance 2013-2012 Treasurer’s Report $14,638,985.94
2013-2012 $12,654,74.59;
2) New World Next Gen Upgrade;
3) County State Average Mill Rate;
Technology
1) Land Records Mobile App;
2) Board Supervisors I-pad;
3) Scanning Documents;
4) Public Land Surveys;
5) Disks for Electronic Voting Equipment;
6) Squad – officers out of – electronics, connectivity;
Representation
1) NACO Health – Meyers;
2) State Child Support Association – Chivers;
3) Northern Waters - Kittleson, now defunct;
4) State Public Health Council; National Preparedness Group-Kramolis;
5) WCA Board of Directors – Susienka;
6) NW Regional Housing – Fibert;
7) Lawyer Regulations – Bennett;
8) Wisconsin Land Information – Galetka;
9) Federal Forest Advisory – Miller;
10) Badger State Sheriff’s Board, State Crime Victim Rights, WITC – Susienka;
We have more and more involvement from Board members on committees and other
boards.
Environmental stewardship
1) LDWD – farm access road;
2) Muskeg Creek bank stabilization;
3) Whittlesey Creek Habitat Project;
4) Town of Eileen culvert replacement;
5) Forest Access Management Plan;
Residents
1) Senior Safety Training;
2) Aging Resource Center Outreach;
3) Wellness Outreach;
4) Mobile Farm Market;
Special efforts
1) RRTC Graduation;
2) Criminal Justice Council;
3) Risk Reduction Education Treatment Court Team;
4) Scenic Byway Ribbon Cutting;
5) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Presentation with Washburn 2nd Grade Class;
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6) Superior Days, 2013;
7) County Fair/Fairgrounds;
8) Germann Fire Briefing;
9) Germann Fire Shelter – Drummond School;
10) Wellness “Minute To Win It;”
11) Veteran’s day Annex Flags;
12) Iron River Veteran’s Fair;
13) Forestry Sustainable Cut;
Economic Development
1) International Paralympic Event in Cable;
2) Iron River Enterprise Center;
3) Superior Sauna Ground Breaking;
Employees, Past and New to the County in 2013
1) Employee of the year;
2) Retirees;
3) Pinning Ceremonies;
4) New District Attorney;
Call to action in 2014
State of Bayfield County….more and more departments are focusing on evidence
based practices. We doing things that work. Bayfield County is a great place to work, live
and board members have a huge impact on this. Keep up the good work!
11. Administrator’s Report:
a) Next County Board Meeting – March 18th at 6:00 p.m.
April’s County Board Meeting will be held on April 15th; which
includes swearing in of new County Board at 8:30, meeting following
directly afterward, and training for Board members after regular
meeting.
b) Election Update: Feb 18th the Spring Primary was held in
District 8 between Incumbent Neil Schultz, Allie raven & Fred
Strand; Raven and Strand will move forward to the Spring Election
to be held on April 1st.
c) Superior Days Report – went very well. Discussion took place on a ½
percent sales tax option; legislation that would allow the County to raise sales tax for
highways. 911 legislation was discussed putting the PSC in charge of 911 calls.
Discussion on US Hwy 2 expansion didn’t do too well. Lobbying will continue for a 4-lane
highway. Discussion took place regarding if the mining in Ashland County should start up
that there would be much heavier traffic. New dollars –currently the State pays the
town’s 30¢ cents an acre; it is being bumped up to 50¢. Hopefully legislation will pass. The
Federal Government passed the Specialized Local Ag Products Bill.
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12. Supervisors’ Reports:
a) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Highway District Options:
Abeles-Allison reported that this is on the agenda per Supervisor Schultz’s request. He
was wondering if other board members had any other thoughts or ideas . What is being
proposed is to alternate how many representatives we have per district. There has
never been a problem in the past, but what would be the better way? You are going to
have someone left out no matter what. Discussion turned to the fact that we have the
same people on the same committees and items seem to be controlled. If you keep in mind
that the items have to come to the County Board for decisions the Supervisors that are
not on either the Highway or Executive Committees will be able to weigh in conversations
at that point. The County Board is the ultimate decision maker which will take care of
some of these problems. A motion was made by Pocernich/Bussey to postpone
discussion and possible action regarding the highway district options until next month.
The motion carried with 2 against.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Miller adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert,
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/dmb