Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 10/28/2014 140 Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Of October 28, 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: Pocernich- present; Strand-present; Williams-present; Bichanich-present; Miller-present; Crandall- present; Rondeau-present; Meyers-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki- absent; Kittleson-present; Bennett-present. Total: 13, 12 present. 1 absent. A quorum of board members was present to conduct business. The following individuals were also present for the meeting: Paul Susienka, Bayfield County Sheriff; Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice Coordinator; Elizabeth Skulan, Human Services Director; Mary Motiff, Tourism Director; and other Bayfield County residents. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. 1. 2015 Bayfield County Budget Public Hearing. A motion was made by Rondeau/Meyers to adjourn as a County Board and convene as a Committee of the Whole to hold a public hearing on the 2015 Bayfield County Budget. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes. Total: 13, 12 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. The motion carried. The Chair turned the meeting over to County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison who informed the Board that the proposed 2015 was published in 2 newspapers and noticed correctly. Abeles-Allison informed the Board that the proposed budget has a 1.1% increase over 2014’s budget. There is an additional increase due to net new construction and for specific bridge aid projects which are exempt from the levy. The County’s expenditures have been coming in slightly higher than normal because we have spent our balances. There are also higher expenditures anticipated in the highway budget due to an increase from 4 to 6 miles that we must maintain. The proposed budget is $29,666,310.00. The budget was discussed over a process of 4 meetings. The budget that is being proposed to you tonight is recommended from the Executive Committee to the full County Board for approval. The Chair asked 3 times if anyone from the public wished to comment on the proposed budget. There being no response, the floor was closed, and the Chair entertained a motion to close the public hearing and to reopen as a County Board. A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to close the public hearing and reconvene as a County Board. The motion carried. 2. Adoption of the 2015 Bayfield County Budget. A motion was made by Bussey/Meyers to adopt the 2015 Bayfield County Budget as recommended by the 141 Executive Committee in the amount of $29,666,310.00. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes. Total: 13, 12 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. The motion carried. The 2015 Budget is as follows: 142 143 144 145 3. Discussion and Possible Action to Set the 2015 Tax Levy. A brief explanation was given by Abeles-Allison on the levy. A motion was made by Jardine/Crandall to adopt the 2015 Tax Levy in the amount of $9,480,662.00. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Total: 13, 12 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. The motion carried. 4. Motion Regarding Minutes of July 29, 2014, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. A motion was made by Strand/Rondeau to adopt the Minutes of July 29, 2014, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried. 5. Public Comment. Chairman Pocernich stated that the public is invited to comment to the Board with a time limit of 3 minutes per person and a timeline for the entire public comment of 30 minutes. Larry Peterson, Howling Wolf Resort. Peterson explained that he has been in front of the Board prior regarding concerns he has had with his property and how our former County Conservationist treated them. He passed out documents showing the before and after pictures. Peterson also stated that a few of the Supervisors have viewed the property as well. Peterson has done everything that he can do. He hired professionals to give him direction in this, has worked with the DNR, but once they reach the Zoning Department they are denied and he can’t go any further. He needs some direction as to what to do. This topic will be discussed in detail in Executive Session this evening and he is hoping that the Board will help him to resolve the problem. Peterson stated that the Town of Iron River’s issue was settled and he wants this settled and his business back – he and his wife have put everything they own into this resort. Bart Buehler, Barnes. Buehler spoke on Mr. Peterson’s behalf regarding the damages that were done to the property and the crudeness of Mr. Lobermeier. This is unacceptable and he would like Bayfield County to hopefully come to some understanding and agreement with Mr. Peterson. Scottie Sandstrom, Bayfield County Economic Development. Sandstrom stated that he has visited with Larry and Cheryl Peterson as he wanted to learn about the Peterson’s business. He was made aware of the activities that have taken place over the past 4 or 5 years and the losses they have incurred to their business because of a path that was taken away. Sandstrom encouraged the Board to strike a mutually agreeable solution to the problem which would positively impact the resort and Bayfield County. There being no further public comment, the Chair closed public comment. 6. Bayfield County Resolution 2014-49, Veteran’s Day Recognition. Chairman Pocernich stated that our Veterans’ Service Director could not be here this evening to read the Resolution, so County Clerk, Scott Fibert, will read the Resolution in his absence. It reads as follows: WHEREAS, the 11th day of November, 2014 is celebrated as Veteran’s Day; and 146 WHEREAS, the freedom enjoyed by our democratic society is maintained by the vigilance of our men and women in uniform; and WHEREAS, the strength of our current military force follows in the footsteps of generations of Veterans before them; and WHEREAS, the United States military instills a sense of honor, duty, leadership, commitment and respect, evident in the millions of Veterans who have returned home to their communities as productive citizens, strengthened by their military experience; and WHEREAS, through their effort we stand together as a great nation dedicated to freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of October, 2014, stand and salute Veterans for their contributions, and express the Boards’ gratitude for all those who serve today and those Veterans that have served their country in all branches of the Armed Forces; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board Clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to all Bayfield County Veteran Service Organizations. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Rondeau/Strand to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-49, Veteran’s Day Recognition. Chair Pocernich informed the Board that at a recent conference held by Child Support Agencies in Wisconsin, $1,900.00 was raised for a donation to the Veteran’s Association and was presented at an earlier meeting to Mr. Johnson. The motion carried. 7. Introduction of New WITC President, John Will and Presentation. Abeles-Allison introduced Mr. Will. Mr. Will gave a PowerPoint presentation which touched based on what WITC has to offer its students and the career programs and course offerings the campuses have. He also handed out a folder containing more information about the schools and information about what a student can expect. At the conclusion of his presentation, Will thanked the Board for their time. A short recess was taken at 6:50 pm returning at 7:00 pm. 8. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Ice Cave Planning for 2015. Abeles-Allison introduced Interim Superintendent for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Tom Alrech. Alrech spoke on what has been taking place regarding last year’s attendance at the Ice Caves. He went over with the Board the anticipated costs and how to recoup the expenses by charging a $5.00 recovery fee to each person who visits the Ice Caves. He further reported that there was a financial burden on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in regard to snow plowing, crowd control, visitor safety, toilets, and the like. Mary Motiff, Tourism Director, was also present and explained that the groups from all agencies worked very well together to keep the large crowds of people safe and under control. Alrech further stated that he has been tasked by the Park Service to come up with a better way to prepare for the cost burden that will occur for 2015 in 147 preparation that the Ice Caves will be present again. He further explained that last year, emergency funding was used for the expenses incurred, however, that is just what it is. Last year it is estimated that the cost was approximately $420,000 to manage the event, not counting the day staff. Discussion took place and questions were asked of Alrech as to what the Park Service staff would normally due in the winter if there weren’t ice caves and if $5.00 is charged, how much of it would go directly to the Park Service as just a fee to get in. Another question was asked; “isn’t this type of occurrence part of the Park Service’s job anyway?” Supervisors were wondering why this was even being brought to the County Board as they have nothing to do with what the Park Service is going to do or charge. Motiff stated that at the last Tourism Committee Meeting, they recommended that this be placed on the County Board agenda. Further discussion took place on what would happen if a family showed up thinking it was free like last year, and finding out they would be charged $5.00; would they be turned away. Alrech stated that they would more than likely be given an envelope to fill out and return at a later time to pay the fee. Discussion also took place on citations – would they be issued for failure to pay the recreation fee? More discussion took place but no formal action was taken. At this time, Chairman Pocernich asked for permission to move Agenda Item 13 next to accommodate Sheriff Paul Susienka who was present to speak regarding Resolution No. 2014-48. The Board agreed. 9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-48, Supporting Cooperative Law Enforcement Services Agreement Between the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department and the Red Cliff Community Law Enforcement.Sheriff Paul Susienka spoke explaining that this is traditionally an annual agreement that has to be filed with the Department of Justice. In past years, the County has retained the funds and distributed, however, this year it was agreed that the Red Cliff tribe would keep their funds in the amount of $47,000. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe, organized under a Constitution adopted August 25, 1938, and approved on November 9, 1938, pursuant to section 16 of the Indian reorganization Act; and WHEREAS, The Tribal and Bayfield County Law Enforcement Agencies have had a history of cooperation in striving to meet the Red Cliff Community’s law enforcement needs; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute 165.90 provides for the establishment of cooperative law enforcement efforts between County and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies; and WHEREAS, County and Tribal Law Enforcement Officials have worked together to develop the FY 2015 County-Tribal Law Enforcement (CTLE) Plan and grant application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of October, 2014, does hereby encourage continued 148 cooperation between the County and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies and approve the FY 2015 County-Tribal Law Enforcement Plan and Grant Application. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Meyers/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-48, Supporting Cooperative Law Enforcement Services Agreement Between the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department and the Red Cliff Community Law Enforcement. The motion carried. 10. Presentation of 2013 Department of Human Services Annual Report. Human Services Director, Elizabeth Skulan, was present to go over the report with the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Report. A copy of the report is on file in the County Clerk’s Office for review. A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to receive and place on file the 2013 Department of Human Services Annual Report. The motion carried 11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-50, Snow Plow Appreciation. County Clerk, Scott Fibert read the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Bayfield County contains over 2,100 miles of roads; and WHEREAS, County and local roadway maintenance employees are dedicated to keeping roadways clear a tall times of year, but have additional burdens during heavy snow events; and WHEREAS, snowplowing is a critical service to ensure that emergency services can safely travel as required, and that citizens are able to access work, school and necessary services; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County reminds all persons to:  Be cautious when they encounter snowplows;  Limit driving during bad weather to avoid becoming stuck or stalled in their vehicles;  Be aware that Wisconsin state law requires drivers to be at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow;  Use caution when passing a working snowplow because it can create a cloud of snow that can obscure a driver’s vision. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of October, 2014, does hereby recognize the importance of the work of County and Local Roadway Maintenance Employees and thanks them for their efforts to keep County and Local Roadways safe during heavy snow events. 149 By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Crandall/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-50, Snowplow Driver Appreciation. The motion carried. 12. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Superior Days 2015 Issues. Abeles-Allison reported that there were approximately 15 people at the Superior Days Planning Session. There were 11 different topics discussed and the group was trying to “think outside the box.“ The following is the list that they came up with: 1. Expand USH 2 to a 4-lane from Superior to Hurley; 2. Increase City of Bayfield’s community premier resort area option sales tax by .5% to 1%; 3. Provide funding for dementia services and infrastructure in Northwest Wisconsin; 4. Establish a forest products development fund for Northwest Wisconsin; 5. Establish Lake Superior tax free zones; 6. Expand tele-communication infrastructure coverage in Bayfield County; 7. Support US Forest Service meeting its allowable harvest goals on US Forest in Northern Wisconsin; 8. Establish a driverless car and other adaptive technology zone in Bayfield County; 9. Regional multi-county fair initiative; 10. 911 funding; 11. Establish a local option sales tax for county highways pilot project in Northwest Wisconsin. Superior Days is February 24th – 25th and a brief discussion took place on who will be attending. 13. Executive Session: A motion was made by Crandall/Kittleson to move in and out of Executive Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(g) conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved. The motion carried. A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to move out Executive Session. The motion carried. 14. Administrator’s Report: a) Future County Board Meeting Dates: November’s meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY Nov. 12th. This is because Veteran’s Day falls on a Tuesday and the Courthouse will be closed. The December meeting will be held on Dec. 9th. b) Informational Session on CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) at the Great Lakes Visitor Center. There will be an informational meeting regarding 150 large scale livestock operations in Northern Wisconsin. This will be a learning workshop for farmers, elected officials, and citizens of Ashland and Bayfield Counties. The date is November 4th from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. A discussion took place on the possibility of a pig farm coming to Bayfield County and the regulations associated with it. c) Construction Updates: Bids and advertising on the Ag station property for the next 5 years are due on November 13th. Work has been completed on the Forestry Garage with a bit of tweaking before they move in. Construction has begun on the Mason Highway Garage. There was some miswiring on the generator. The transfer was installed last year and there were a few issues that needed to be worked out. Presently, there is a change order in the amount of $6,000. The Board asked as to who was responsible and who would be picking up the tab on this and it was noted that the electrical contractor would be responsible. The safe room was reported on; we have received permission to make this facility smaller and will rebid the project in January. Closed Session Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting held on July 1, 2014. 15. Committee Chair Reports. It was reported that help is needed with the Paralympics. Motiff will be helping as a media officer for 2 weeks. This has gone to the Tourism Committee and they are supporting the help of Mary for this event. This will be a good learning experience for her. The costs associated for her presence at this event will be taken care of by the Paralympic Committee. Discussion took place on whether or not Bo Belanger has leased the buildings at the Ag Station, however, a lease has not yet been signed. Abeles-Allison reported that he is still on board, natural gas has been hooked up to the buildings that he wanted. It was noted that there have been problems in getting a quorum together for Committee meetings. This is just a reminder that you should call the Committee Chair if you cannot attend the meeting, and if you can attend by phone, you should also call him to let him/her know that as arrangements would need to be made for a telephone conference call; information is needed ahead of time to arrange for this call. 15. Future Agenda Items. There were no suggestions. There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk