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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 7/29/2014 117 Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Of July 29, 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 Pocernich at 6:00 p.m. Pocernich welcomed everyone to this evening’s meeting and roll call was taken by County Clerk, Scott Fibert as follows: Strand-present; 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, 13 present. 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; Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice Coordinator; Terri Kramolis, Health Director; Tom Toepfer, Highway Commissioner; Elizabeth Skulan, HS Director; other Bayfield County residents. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Chairman Pocernich asked that the Board remain standing to take a Moment of Silence in memory of Eleanor Bussey, mother of Supervisor William Bussey. 1. Motion Regarding Minutes of July 1, 2014, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt the Minutes of July 1, 2014, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried. 2. Public Comment - No Comment 3. Report on Wisconsin Conservation Congress as it Relates to the Bayfield County Deer Advisory Committee. Karl Kastrosky, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, thanked the Board for allowing him time to speak on behalf of the Conservation Congress. Kastrosky took a few minutes to explain what the group is about; the goal being to come up with the best possible plan to either decrease or increase the deer harvest. A handout was given to the Board for their review. The Committee is hoping to see public input as this is a very important subject. Kastrosky discussed the budget line item for this Committee and asked that the prior amount of $1,800 be put b back into the 2015 budget. This is what was in the budget in 2013 but because expenses were watched carefully and some not used, the budget got cut to $500.00. He stated that there is a need for at least $1,000 as there is a convention to attend and there are costs associated with that. He went on further to state that they consolidate whenever and wherever we can. There is a website that you can log into to see what more is being done. The Board thanked Kastrosky for his report. 4. Health Department 2013 Annual Report. Terri Kramolis, Health Director, was present to go over her report. The Board received their report via their drop box and Maki by mail. Kramolis stated that this report must be sent to the State each year. She stated that she tried to put in a few more charts and graphs using years and data trying to see what programs are doing, how they are seen, and utilized. In regard to communicable diseases, the Health Department does follow up on the cases. Kramolis 118 explained Lyme’s disease breakouts and how the CDC requirements have changed. There has been more utilization of the water lab. In 2012 the Health Department was certified and 500 samples were processed. In 2013 it doubled, and numbers are at the same level right now in 2014. A motion was made by Rondeau/Williams to receive and place on file the 2013 Health Department Report. The motion carried. The Board thanked Kramolis for her time and report. 5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-40, Honoring Winefred Punjak for 20 years on the Board of Health. Pocernich reported that Punjak is unable to attend this evening’s meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Winefred Punjak has served as a citizen member of the Bayfield County Board of Health with distinction, honor and dedication for nearly twenty (20) years; and WHEREAS, her knowledge of health services and commitment to improve the health of residents in Bayfield County has helped make Bayfield County a healthier place to live. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of July, 2014, honors Winefred Punjak for her nearly twenty (20) years of public service to Bayfield County Board of Health and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Meyers/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-40, Honoring Winifred Punjak for 20 years on the Board of Health. The motion carried. Punjak will be presented with the Resolution and Certificate at the next Health Board meeting. 6. Appointment of Citizen Members to the Human Services Board. Abeles- Allison reported that Lona Schmidt’s position on the Human Services Board is up and he is asking the Board to reappoint her as she is still willing to serve. A motion was made by Jardine/Strand to reappoint Lona Schmidt to the Human Services Board. The motion carried. 7. Appointment of Linda Hultman to the Bayfield County Library Committee. Abeles-Allison reported that he would like the Board to appoint Linda Hultman to the Library Board. Hultman will be representing the Iron River Library. A motion was made by Williams/Kittleson to appoint Linda Hultman to the Bayfield County Library Committee. The motion carried. 8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-39, Request that Governor Walker Reconsider his Decision not to Accept Federal Enhanced Medicaid Funding. Elizabeth Skulan, Human Services Director, was present to discuss this Resolution with the Board. 119 She reminded the Board that this same Resolution was presented last November and passed at that time. This Resolution states that Governor Walker declined accepting Medicaid Funding and she went on further to explain. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Governor Walker has declined funding from the federal Government to enhance BadgerCare, Wisconsin’s Medicaid Program; and WHEREAS, enhanced Medicaid funding will allow approximately 84,700 Wisconsin residents who earn between 100% and 133% of the federal poverty level access to BadgerCare; and WHEREAS, individuals who earn between 100% and 133% of the federal poverty level will not be subject to financial sanctions if they do not purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace, making it unlikely that all but those who have serious health conditions will enroll in health care and this enrollment will continue to negatively affect insurance rates in Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, the federal government will fully fund enhanced access to Medicaid from 2014 to 2016; and WHEREAS, if federal funds are accepted, they will provide the State of Wisconsin an additional $2,443,400,000 in federal revenues to support BadgerCare between January 1, 2014 and June 30, 2021, as determined by the State’s Legislative Fiscal Bureau; and WHEREAS, there is no time limit for accepting enhanced Medicaid funding and there is no restriction to reducing Medicaid eligibility after 2016 when expansion is no longer fully funded. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 29th day of July 2014, does hereby recommend that Governor Walker reconsider his decision and petition the federal government to accept funding to enhance the Medicaid Program in Wisconsin to allow residents who make between 100% and 133% of the federal poverty level access to Wisconsin BadgerCare; and. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk provides a copy of this resolution to Governor Scott Walker, State Senator Robert Jauch, Representative Janet Bewley; the Wisconsin Counties Association; the Wisconsin Counties Human Services Association; and the Clerk’s Office in all 72 counties of Wisconsin. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Bussey/Strand to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-39, Request that Governor Walker Reconsider his Decision not to Accept Federal Enhanced Medicaid Funding. Discussion took place that since this was on the agenda in November of 2013 and passed, why it is on the agenda again. Supervisor Rondeau asked for a roll call vote on this Resolution and the next being 2014-38. A lengthy discussion took place on the dollars that will help the Wisconsin economy and help offset fees for low income residents in Wisconsin. A roll call vote was taken as follows: 120 Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-no; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes. Total: 13, 12 yes, 1 no. The motion carried. 9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-38, To Place a Health Care Advisory Referendum on the November 4, 2014 Bayfield County Ballot. Skulan explained this Resolution. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin did not accept federal Medicaid dollars for the state’s BadgerCare Program; and WHEREAS, these federal funds are available at any time; acceptance of the funds would provide access to BadgerCare to an estimated 84,700 people; and would provide an additional $2,443,400,000 in federal funding to Wisconsin to support services for BadgerCare between January 1, 2014 and June 30, 2021 (as determined by the State’s Legislative Fiscal Bureau); and WHEREAS, underinsured and uninsured individuals have difficulty accessing mental health and/or substance abuse treatment in addition to preventive health care. This can negatively affect the health and wellbeing of Bayfield County residents; and WHEREAS, underinsured and uninsured individuals negatively impact the Bayfield County budget each year as Wisconsin Statute 51.42 requires the county to provide individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues with immediate emergency services when needed; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of July 2014, does hereby recommend that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors directs the County Clerk to place the following advisory referendum question on the countywide ballot at the election to be held on November 4, 2014: “Shall the Governor/State Legislature accept federal funding for the expansion of BadgerCare in Wisconsin?” With the following explanation language: “This is an advisory referendum only. A “yes”: vote indicates that you support action by the Governor/State Legislature to accept federal funding for the expansion of Medicaid/BadgerCare in Wisconsin to cover persons and families with low income who are not currently eligible for BadgerCare. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that this would provide access to BadgerCare to 84,700 Wisconsin residents. A “no” vote indicates that you do not support accepting additional federal funding for the expansion of Medicaid/BadgerCare in Wisconsin.” 121 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recommends that a copy of their approved resolution be sent to the Bayfield County legislative delegation, Governor Scott Walker, and the Wisconsin Counties Association. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Strand/Williams to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-38, To Place a Health Care Advisory Referendum on the November 4, 2014 Bayfield County Ballot. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-no; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-no; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-no; Strand-yes; Williams-yes. Total: 13, 10 yes, 3 no. The motion carried. 10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-41, Highway Department 2014 Budget Amendment Related to Mason Highway Garage Improvements. Abeles-Allison reported that in the Board packet was an approved project specifically for the construction of a new garage to replace the Grand View garage. Tom Toepfer, Highway Commissioner, was present to explain the site plan drawings. $150,000 was budgeted using the bids for the Forestry building; however bids came in higher than expected. The Highway Committee unanimously approved proceeding with the project but we need to fund the difference. The Highway Committee approved $61,000 to be used from the General Fund. Abeles-Allison passed out a new Resolution replacing the dollar figure of $61,000 with that of $91,622 as he felt it wasn’t high enough. Discussion took place on what funds were left in the Highway budget. A lengthy discussion then took place that the extra funds should come from the Highway Fund Balance and not the General Fund Balance. A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to approve the new updated Resolution that Abeles-Allison handed out. Discussion took place on what happens to the proceeds from the sale of equipment. Can it be used to offset the funds needed? Toepfer respectfully requested that the monies come from the General Fund and gave his reasons why. A lengthy discussion took place again to the fact that neither of the Resolutions presented appear to do what was intended and recommended by the Highway Committee. The Highway Committee asked for a Resolution for the $61,000 from the General Fund so that they didn’t have to reduce the funds available for maintaining the roads in Bayfield County. The sale of equipment goes back into the equipment fund to purchase new equipment. An amendment to the motion was made by Miller/Rondeau to change the dollar figure back to $61,811. Discussion took place not change the amount. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Miller-yes; Crandall-no; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-no; Bussey-no; Jardine-no; Maki-no; Kittleson-no; Bennett-no; Pocernich-no; Strand-no; Williams- no; Bichanich-no. Total: 13, 2 yes, 11 no. The motion failed. A roll call vote was taken next on the original motion to approve the new updated Resolution as follows: Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-no; Bussey-yes; 122 Jardine-yes; Maki-no; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-no; Pocernich-no; Strand-yes; Williams-no; Bichanich-no; Miller-yes. Total: 13, 7 yes, 6 no. The motion carried. Supervisor Maki asked Chair Pocernich for an explanation as to what just happened and why. 11. Administrator’s Report: a) Future County Board Meetings. August 26th, Sept. 30th and Oct. 28th. b) Construction Update – there are a number of projects taking place; pavilion at the fairgrounds is nearing completion and in good time – fair starts this weekend. Supervisor Miller reported that it is almost complete. The floor was poured 1 week ago in the Forestry Garage. Trussels are being put up. The Mason garage work should begin shortly. The Safe Room is presently over budget. Discussion took place on whether or not the project should be scrapped. Where is the money going to come from? Discussed what happens if we don’t complete the project. Discussion on what exactly the building will be used for and is this the best use of our taxpayers’ dollars. This is on the Fair Committee’s agenda for this Thursday. We will not go over the $23,000 commitment that was made. A comment was made that can we spend this much money for a building that may be used 4-5 times a year, yet we can’t give the proper funding to a building our highway department needs. c) Reminder of August 12th Primary. Fibert reported and reminded people to get out and vote. d) 2015 Budget. Abeles-Allison reminded Board that Aug. 22nd is the deadline for 2015 budgets. 12. Supervisors’ Reports a) Committee Chair Reports Supervisor Kittleson reported that the UW-Extension office put on a workshop for age friendly communities because within the next 10 years we will have many different needs. The Fair has a green light; everything is going fine, pavilion will be completed. Received a notice that meeting will be at 6. People are still needed to work at the gates; contact Kittleson if interested. Forestry – Tribal Lands Memorandum of Understanding easement has gone through and Pocernich and Miller will be signing the necessary documents. The Board needs to take its hat off to the Bayfield County Foresters for the wonderful job they do. Bayfield County has had land on reservation for years and it hasn’t been until recently that we have attempted to log it b) Public Notice of Discussion Items. Pocernich addressed this topic by stating in the past discussing with the person in Public Comment was not allowed with Board interaction. In researching this item a bit, he found that pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.83(2) and 19.84(2), it can be allowed. In going forward, we will be allowing discussion. We can answer, we just cannot act. Hopefully, this will be a good change. Discussion took 123 place on how items will be addressed in public comments and how they will be put on future agendas. c) HS Outcome Measures Skulan was here to shed some light on what is taking place. The Human Services Board discussed outcome measures at their recent meeting. She then passed out documents pertaining to the outcome services. The Board thanked Peppy for her work in the documentation and how it does show that our programs in Bayfield County are working. A motion was made by Maki/Jardine to receive and place on file the Human Services Outcome Measures Report. The motion carried. 12. Future Agenda Items - any time you have an item, let Chair know. There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scott s. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk SSF/dmb