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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
Of March 31, 2015 – 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 6:05 p.m. Pocernich welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Roll call was taken by County Clerk, Scott Fibert as follows: Maki-present; Kittleson-
present; Bennett-present; Pocernich-present; Strand-present; Williams-present;
Bichanich-present; Miller-present; Crandall-present; Rondeau-present; Meyers-present via
telephone conference; Bussey-present; Jardine-present. Total: 13, 13 present, 0 absent.
A quorum of board members was present to conduct business. The following individuals
were also present for the meeting: Elizabeth Skulan, HS Director; Terri Kramolis, Health
Director; Jason Bodine, Forest Administrator; Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice
Coordinator; Carrie Sanda, St. Croix/Eau Claire Headwaters Watershed Coordinator
Bayfield County Deputy; and community residents.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
1. Motion Regarding Minutes of February 18, 2015 Bayfield County Board
of Supervisors’ Meeting. A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt the
minutes of the February 18, 2015 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting.
The motion carried.
2. Public Comment Chairman Pocernich stated to the public that public
comment is limited to 3 minutes per person for those wishing to speak. Speakers were also
asked not to ask questions of the Board as this time is just for commenting. Pocernich
stated speaking will be timed and limited to 30 minutes. If at the end of that time the
Board should choose to, they may extend public comment for an additional amount of time;
however, this will have to be voted upon. There will be no applauding, no yelling or
outbursts. If there are outbursts, public comment will be stopped immediately, and the
Board will move to the next item on the agenda. Please be courteous.
Ed Korleski, Bayfield, thanked the Board for allowing him to speak on the CAFO.
He wanted to make it clear that his group and website is entitled “Farms not Factories.”
He has worked in a factory and was born and raised on a farm, which was organic in nature.
In another presentation he informed the Board that he analyzed American companies for
40 years. He sees a risk in the CAFO farming. He isn’t a rebel rouser or a protester. To
the issue at hand, he loves this area and is very worried about it. The appointment of a 12
person committee to research and analyze scientific literature on CAFO ground water,
surface and air quality is important. Can you tell us the medical and scientific credentials
of the County Board that would make them qualified to do this task? In his opinion, it
appears that there aren’t a whole lot of loaded scientific or medical backgrounds in your
careers. A document that was given to you at an earlier meeting points out scientific data.
Please refer to this document given to you by Susan Korelski, it might help. Thank you.
Ellen Braddock, Washburn, stated she had a similar concern. If this committee is
charged with pouring over hundreds of documents shouldn’t there be a person on the
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committee that is qualified to know what the documents contain. Doctors have been
trained to clearly read research data and she is curious if the farmers were chosen as
recommendations. This issue is so important and if there are more informative people in
our area that can help us with their skills, she would like them chosen for this committee.
She also wanted to know if there was a way that the County Board Minutes could be put on
the webpage in a more timely fashion. *Note to public- Minutes are published on the
webpage after they are approved at the next Board meeting.*
John Sauer, Washburn, read the following letter to the Board:
Members of the Board,
Thank you for enacting a 12/18 month moratorium on the issuance of licenses for CAFOs in
Bayfield County. As physicians, we are concerned about the public health impacts such
operations may pose to the patients we care for.
We are concerned about the body of evidence in the medical literature which
suggests that living near CAFOs is an independent risk factor for skin and soft tissue
MRSA infections.
We are also concerned that there are potential health issues regarding the handling
of the waste generated by CAFOs and potential contamination of both surface and ground
water which could impact public health as well. This question needs to be further studied
and examined specifically with respect to the conditions in Bayfield County.
We would like to see the Bayfield County Board utilize the time provided by this
moratorium to carefully study and consider the public health risks associated with the
type of operation. These public health risks should be taken into account in deciding if
CAFOs will be allowed to operate in Bayfield County, and if so, then to enact appropriate
operating parameters on them so as to reduce or eliminate these risks.
Thank you for your careful consideration on these issues.
Sincerely,
Signed by Members of the Medical Staff, Memorial Medical Center
Didn’t get Person’s Name/Not Signed In. Stated he was proud of the County Board to
having passed the Moratorium. He read a couple of sentences which were taken from the
“Whereas” clauses of the Zoning Ordinance. He was concerned that a health care official
be appointed to the committee. The focus of the committee is to study the health and
safety of the public. It is physically responsible to put people on the committee who do
not know anything about this topic and then turn around and hire individuals from the
health care profession to interpret what the committee just looked at? Put these people
on the committee in the first place.
Jim Zorn, Town of Eileen, stated he lives approximately ½ mile from the proposed facility.
He wished to express appreciation to the Board, however, what has been troubling him is
that there is someone for and someone against the facility. This isn’t a game with a
scorecard. People should be appointed to this committee who will have an objective
perspective. As concerned citizens we want to make sure that you are looking out for the
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best interest of your citizens. As far as his property is concerned, he has seen the EIS
statements where it said that said there will be no loss on the assessment of his property.
He would encourage the Board to have the DNR to a full blown EIS and also encouraged
the Board to appoint qualified individuals to this committee.
Scott Griffiths, Washburn, thanked the Board for passing the moratorium. This has been
forced upon you, not something you chose to take on and he thanked them for that. We
need to protect the health and well-being of our citizens as well as the water of the great
lakes. In the proposed committee members, Bill Bussey and Jim Crandall put in applicants
for the committee. He did not see their names on the recommendations and questioned as
to why. You have an opportunity to lend credibility and well-being to the community.
Without putting a medical professional on the committee and by adding a supervisor at-
large who voted against the moratorium, he felt spoke for itself. Please take another look
at the applicants for the committee.
Roth Edwards, Ashland, prior Washburn, asked the Board’s blessing on what he was about
to present. In regard to our county, it is the rural aspect. This goes back to his own
background; his family has a farm in Central Lake, Michigan that has been in their family
for over 140 years. Roth put together alternatives for the Board to consider. He read a
few paragraphs, however, ran out of time, but thanked the Board for allowing him to speak.
Jeff Solberg, Washburn, offered his respect for the Board’s service and patience
through this process. Even though he doesn’t agree with all of the decisions that have
been made, he respects the time they have put in. The majority of the community does
not want to see this CAFO happen. If it does, it has to be with the utmost scrutiny. The
committee needs to be seen ad credible at its tasks. He doesn’t see how you can have
people sitting on the committee who do not believe in regulations, scrutiny, and concerned
for the public’s health risks. If any member feels that they cannot do the job objectively,
he asked them to stand down. A health official needs to be on this committee. Mr. Bussey
has shown tremendous leadership and compromise on this issue and deserves to be on this
committee. Please make efforts to be productive and have integrity.
Jeremy Oswald, Washburn, said he would state this simply; that he would like to see Mr.
Bussey on this committee.
Jodi Walker, Town of Kelly, made a recommendation that a medical representative be put
on the committee because they have the experience. This person would know how to
address a study and whether it was relevant or not. John Sauer should be considered as
the medical professional who could do this. Walker also recommended Bill Bussey or Jim
Crandall to fill the supervisor at-large position. She thanked the Board for their time.
At this time Chairman Pocernich ended public comments and there was no one else who
wanted to speak.
Chairman Pocernich then entertained a motion to move Agenda Item 9 “Discussion and
Appointment of Committee Members to the Large Scale Livestock Study Committee,” to
be next on the agenda. A motion was made by Jardine/Meyers to move Agenda Item 9
next on the agenda. The motion carried.
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3. Discussion and Appointment of Committee Members to the Large-Scale
Livestock Study Committee. Abeles-Allison updated the Board as it pertained to
Ordinance 2015-06, “Moratorium on Livestock Facilities Licensing.” The Ordinance, which
is now in place, reads as follows:
Section 5-4-6 Action and Study During Moratorium. The Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors hereby create a 9-person special study committee which shall be known as the
“Large-Scale Livestock Study Committee” and which shall consist of six (6) elected
officials and three(3) interested Bayfield County residents and property owners. The six
(6) elected officials on the Large-Scale Livestock Committee shall be as follows:
County Board Chair or his or her designee;
County Vice-Chair or his or her designee;
Chair of County Health Committee or his or her designee;
Chair of County Planning and Zoning or his or her designee;
Chair of County Land Conservation Committee or his or her designee;
County Board Supervisor at Large.
The Chairman shall receive applications from interested Bayfield County residents and
property owners and from Board Supervisors interested in being part of the Large-Scale
Livestock Study Committee. From those applications, the Chairman shall recommend three
(3) interested Bayfield County residents or property owners and one (1) Supervisor at large
for approval by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. Those individuals recommended
by the Chairman and approved by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors shall become
part of the Large-Scale Livestock Study Committee.
In addition, there will be advisory members from specific Bayfield County Departments as
follows:
Health Dept. – Terri Kramolis, Health Director and Michelle Dale, Sanitarian;
Planning & Zoning Dept. - Rob Schierman, Director;
Land & Water Conservation Dept. - Ben Dufford, Conservationist;
UW-Extension Office – Jason Fischbach, Agricultural Agent.
One of the first things the committee will do is set rules for the committee. They will then
vote on a chair and vice-chair for the committee, and put future agendas together. Abeles-
Allison went over a proposed Agenda for the first meeting which is scheduled for April 10th.
The proposed format for these committee meetings would be to have a presentation by an
outside speaker at each meeting, followed by discussion and analyzing of materials
presented.
Supervisor Bussey started discussion regarding the moratorium. Whether you were in favor
of it or not, it doesn’t appear that there was anyone presently on the Board has the
knowledge and expertise it will take to be on this committee solely. In his opinion, we
need to use professionals to help us understand and make the right decisions regarding the
large scale farming. Discussion continued.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to approve the appointments as
presented as follows:
County Board Chair or his or her designee – Bill Bussey;
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County Vice-Chair or his or her designee – Dee Kittleson;
Chair of County Health Committee or his or her designee – Fred Strand;
Chair of County Planning and Zoning or his or her designee – Brett Rondeau;
Chair of County Land Conservation Committee or his or her designee –
Kenneth Jardine;
County Board Supervisor at Large - Marco Bichanich.
and the appointment of Marco Bichanich as County Board Supervisor at-large; Dale Peacock,
David Appelgren, and Alex Strachota. Discussion regarding whether more people could be
added to the committee. If this was to happen, we would have to amend the Ordinance.
Supervisor Meyers commented on the structure; she was concerned that there wasn’t a
medical professional on the committee; however, we do have an RN who is advisory.
Supervisor Bussey agreed with Meyers. If we are going to enact ATCP51, we are going to
have to show that we are going to protect the public. This is foremost. It would provide
better balance if we had 2 farmers, an Agronomist and a health professional.
A motion was made by Bussey/Miller to amend the motion to replace David
Appelgren with Dr. John Sauer. Discussion that if he is willing to serve then we need to
address the concern of a statutory viewpoint that we have a professional to contribute to
the process. Further discussion continued. Kittleson suggested that one of the Board
members on the committee step down. She would like to be able to add Bussey to the
Committee. Supervisor Crandall supported the amendment, however, we can’t add members
to the committee so someone would have to step down. Supervisor Jardine felt they would
have to rely on our professionals when they come in and give us the information. Supervisor
Meyers responded to Jardine’s comment that even though you will be listening to medical
professionals, they do not have the power to vote. We need to have the medical
professionals on the committee with voting rights. The vote took place on the amendment
with everyone in favor of the amendment. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Kittleson/Meyers to amend the motion to appoint Bill
Bussey in the County Board Supervisor At-Large. Discussion started with Kittleson
stated Bussey has been focused on the subject since the beginning. Bussey has travelled to
Iowa, has the right meaning behind why he wants to be on the committee, and is an attorney
- so he could keep us on the straight and narrow of what we are doing right and/or wrong.
Kittleson stated she has nothing against Bichanich, but Bill has been involved in the project.
Supervisor Miller stated that we are not going to reinvent the wheel, there isn’t anyone on
this Board who has the expertise to be on this committee. Bichanich is a wonderful guy, he
lives in the Town of Eileen and should be the appointee for the Committee. Bichanich spoke
for himself stating he represents 40% of the dairy farmers in Bayfield County. Yes he was
not in favor of the moratorium, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t concerned. Supervisor Bussey
stated that if he is voted in, he would serve to the best of his ability, but, if he isn’t, he still
will be attending as many meetings as he can. Bussey stated he trusts Bichanich will do his
job as a Board Supervisor. One way or another, Bussey stated he will still be involved. A
roll call vote was taken as follows: Kittleson-yes; Bennett-no; Pocernich-no; Strand-
yes; Williams-no; Bichanich-no; Miller-no; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-no; Meyers-yes via
telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-no; Maki-no. Total: 13, 5 yes, 8 no, the
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motion failed.
Now voting on the original motion replacing John Sauer for David Appelgren on the
committee. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes;
Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes;
Meyers-yes via telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-
yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
At this time, Chairman Pocernich stated to the Board that he would be standing down from
the Committee and appointing Bill Bussey to be on the committee in his place.
The Board took a short recess at 6:55 p.m.
4. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-15, Honoring Marcia Mihalek upon
her Retirement from the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department. This item was
postponed until the April meeting.
5. Presentation on St. Croix/Eau Claire Headwaters Watershed. Abeles-
Allison introduced Carrie Sanda, Watershed Coordinator. Sanda thanked the Board for
allowing her time to share with them information about the Watershed. A copy of the
Newsletter and Study Summary Results was passed out for each of the Board members to
review. Sanda addressed some of the issues concerning the Watershed and plans that are
in place to address the concerns. The implementation plan gives us goals and objectives.
The first goal is the water quality. Sanda also spoke on the AIS problems within the
watershed and how they are being addressed. Sanda stated that there is a 2-year
protection grant for working on the Watershed project. Through the grant, she was hired
to be the coordinator of such. The committee involved is made up of many individuals who
meet quarterly and have subcommittees under them with the same goals in mind as the
main group. Projects that are being worked on are related to shoreland restoration and
erosion control. They are finding that many lake homeowners are coming to them to see
what they can do to help prevent soil erosion on their property. The Board thanked Sanda
for her presentation.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-25, Retain Existing Model of
Family Care. Elizabeth Skulan, Dept. of Human Services Director, was present to explain
the Resolution to the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution,
which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Family Care enables individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive
disabilities, and the frail elderly to remain in their own homes to avoid institutionalization;
and
WHEREAS, Family Care has been proven to reduce the cost per member for
publicly funded long-term care services while receiving very high customer satisfaction
ratings; and
WHEREAS, Governor Walker’s 2015-2017 budget proposal would restructure
Wisconsin’s long-term care (LTC) Family Care Program and has the potential to dismantle
existing county Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC); and
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WHEREAS, input regarding the proposed changes was not sought from people who
receive long-term care services; their families; aging and disability advocates; local
officials; Managed Care Organizations, ADRCs; provider agencies; the State Long-term
Care Advisory Council or legislators; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s budget would replace the existing Managed Care
Organizations with statewide for-profit health insurance companies that will provide
primary and acute health care as well as long-term care service using a no-bid process; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s budget would give authority to the Department of
Health Services (DHS) to eliminate county-run ADRC’s by contracting out many of their
functions; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s ADRCs are a nationally recognized model for providing the
public with resources and options counseling that assist individuals and their families to
maximize personal assets and resources before accessing and relying on publicly funded
long-term care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March 2015, does hereby pass this resolution
supporting that Wisconsin retain its existing, successful and cost-effective model of
ADRCs and Family Care until stakeholders are included in pursuing opportunities to improve
the quality and effectiveness of the long-term care delivery system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
directs the County Clerk to provide a copy of the resolution to Governor Scott Walker,
State Senator Janet Bewley, Representative Beth Meyers; members of the Joint Finance
Committee; 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, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Meyers to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-25, Retain Existing Model of Family Care. The motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-20, Request to Amend the Bayfield
County Fair Budget for Pavilion. Abeles-Allison explained the Resolution to the Board.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Fair will receive funds above the amount budgeted
for 2015 as a donation for a new Show Ring & Pavilion and will expend funds above the
amount budgeted for 2015; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 Bayfield County Fair budget needs to be amended to reflect
this revenue increase and expense:
Revenue Account to increase for a total of $104,319.00
#100-23-48500-(Donations) in the amount of $104,319.00
Disbursement Account to increase for a total of $104,319.00
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#100-23-55461-50820-(Capital Improvements) in the amount of $104,319.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March, 2015, does hereby amend the Bayfield
County Fair budget to reflect the increase in revenues by $104,319.00 and the increase in
expenditures by $ $104,319.00.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Miller/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2015-20, Request to Amend the Bayfield County Fair Budget for Pavilion. Supervisor
Bichanich brought up discussion on where materials and supplies are being bought from the
project. They are not being bought locally and he was wondering why. Further explanation
took place that when it is a bid, unless is it specifically stated that supplies will be
purchased at a particular place, contractors can get them wherever. A roll call vote
took place as follows: Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes;
Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes via telephone conference;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes,
0 no, the motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-18, 2015 Budget Amendment for
Fairgrounds Saferoom. Abeles-Allison explained that this project has been in the works
for almost a year now. This is being constructed mainly through FEMA funds. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, There is currently not a structure at the Bayfield County Fairgrounds
in Iron River that can be used as a safe haven in severe weather; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Bayfield
County a grant for the construction of a community safe room building to be located at the
Bayfield County Fairgrounds in Iron River, WI; and
WHEREAS, the total cost of the project is estimated at $318,727 including the
value of the land contributed by Bayfield County; and
WHEREAS, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management will contribute $277,797
toward the project; and
WHEREAS, the county’s share of costs is $40,930, including the land value of
$15,257, which is considered “in-kind” contribution toward the project, leaving the
county’s monetary contribution at $25,673; and
WHEREAS, the County Board approved a budget of $295,000 for this project in
2014; and
WHEREAS, $17,490 in costs for this project were expended in 2014; and
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WHEREAS, a balance of $285,980 will be needed in 2015 to complete the project,
with $277,797 coming from State and Federal Funding, leaving a required county
contribution requirement of $8,183 in 2015; and
WHEREAS, the total estimated cost of the project is $1245 more than originally
projected in 2014 and will be the county’s responsibility to fund; and
WHEREAS, the County Fair Committee recommends the construction of this
facility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this 31st day of March, 2015 approve the following budget
amendment for construction of a Community Safe Room at the Bayfield County
Fairgrounds:
Increase Revenues:
430-00-49301 Fund Balance Applied $8,183
430-23-43519 Safe Room Grant $277,797
Increase Expenses:
430-23-57100-50820-200 Safe Room Project $285,980
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A roll call vote took place as follows: Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-
yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes via telephone conference;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes.
Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-22, Budget Amendment to Reflect
Award of Protect I.R. Area Lakes Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW-195-15) Project
for Bayfield County LWCD AIS Control Grant Program. The Board dispensed with the
reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department has been
awarded a Clean Boats Clean Waters Grant (#CBCW-196-15) from the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources for the Bayfield County LWCD AIS Program; and
WHEREAS, the award of this grant was received after the FY2015 budget had
been approved; and
WHEREAS, county policy requires that grants received which change the bottom
line of a department’s budget must be approved by resolution of the County Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this March 31, 2015 to approve the following budget amendment to
reflect new Grant(s) actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43590-101 by $20,000
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EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56113-50290 by $19,600.00 (CBCW-196-15,
Cont. Services)
Increase expense account 100-28-56113-50332 by $100.00 (CBCW-196-15,
Mileage)
Increase expense account 100-28-56113-50390 by $300.00 (CBCW-196-15, Other
Sup & Exp)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Jardine/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-22, Budget Amendment to Reflect Award of Protect I.R. Area Lakes Clean
Boats Clean Waters (CBCW-195-15) Project for Bayfield County LWCD AIS Control
Grant Program. A roll call vote took place as follows: Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes;
Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes via telephone conference;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes;
Strand-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-23, Budget Amendment to Reflect
Award of USFS Weed Co-op (15-PA-11091305-017) Project for Bayfield County
LWCD NCWMA Grant Program. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution,
which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department has been
awarded a USFS Weed Co-Op Grant (#15-PA-11091305-017) from the USFS for the
Bayfield County LWCD NCWMA Program; and
WHEREAS, the award of this grant was received after the FY2015 budget had
been approved; and
WHEREAS, county policy requires that grants received which change the bottom
line of a department’s budget must be approved by resolution of the County Board
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this March 31, 2015 to approve the following budget amendment to
reflect new Grant(s) actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43580-008 by $28,000
EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50290 by $24,767.40
(USFS Weed Co-Op, Cont. Services)
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50332 by $1,500.00
(USFS Weed Co-Op, Mileage)
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50121 by $1,332.60
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(USFS Weed Co-Op, Full Time)
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50313 by $100.00
(USFS Weed Co-Op, Printing)
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50340 by $300.00
(USFS Weed Co-Op, Operating Supplies)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bennett to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-23, Budget Amendment to Reflect Award of USFS Weed Co-op (15-PA-
11091305-017) Project for Bayfield County LWCD NCWMA Grant Program. A roll
call vote took place as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes;
Meyers-yes via telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-
yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes. Williams-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0
no, the motion carried.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-24, Budget Amendment to Reflect
Award of WI DNR Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW-209-15). The Board dispensed
with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department has been
awarded a Clean Boats Clean Waters Grant (#CBCW-209-15) from the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources for the Bayfield County LWCD AIS Program; and
WHEREAS, the award of this grant was received after the FY2015 budget had
been approved; and
WHEREAS, county policy requires that grants received which change the bottom
line of a department’s budget must be approved by resolution of the County Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this March 31, 2015 to approve the following budget amendment to
reflect new Grant(s) actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43590-104 by $16,000
EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56131-50290 by $13,500.00
(CBCW-209-15, Cont. Services)
Increase expense account 100-28-56131-50332 by $2,000.00
(CBCW-209-15, Mileage)
Increase expense account 100-28-56131-50390 by $500.00
(CBCW-209-15, Other Sup & Exp)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
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A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-24, Budget Amendment to Reflect Award of WI DNR Clean Boats Clean
Waters (CBCW-209-15). A roll call vote took place as follows: Miller-yes; Crandall-
yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes via telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes;
Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes;
Bichanich-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-21, Request to Amend the Bayfield
County Land & Water Conservation 2015 Budget. The Board dispensed with the reading
of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department requests
their 2015 budget be amended as follows to reflect actual amounts at the beginning of the
year through the Grant(s), Cost-Share and Cooperative Agreements; and
WHEREAS, adjustments to our 2015 budget is requested to reflect our actual
beginning balance versus what was projected earlier in 2014. The Net Total of the
Revenue/Expense amendment is -$32,716.13, the amount of unspent 2014 year
expenditures carrying over to 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this March 31, 2015 approve the following budget amendments to
reflect the Grant(s), Cost-Share and Cooperative Agreements.
Decrease revenue account 100-28-43272 by $11,420.00
Decrease revenue account 100-28-43273-001 by $30,003.43
Decrease revenue account 100-28-43273-002 by $3,772.79
Increase revenue account 100-28-43274-110 by $1,116.26
Increase revenue account 100-28-43275 by $6,500.00
Increase revenue account 100-28-43589 by $4,863.83
Decrease expense account 100-28-56104-50290 by $11,420.00
Decrease expense account 100-28-56140-50290 by $30,003.43
Decrease expense account 100-28-56141-50290 by $3,772.79
Increase expense account 100-28-56106-50290 by $1,116.26
Increase expense account 100-28-56118-50290 by $6,500.00
Increase expense account 100-28-56101-50291 by $4,863.83
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-21, Request to Amend the Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation
2015 Budget. A roll call vote took place as follows: Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes;
Meyers-yes via telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-
yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-
yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
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13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2014-26, Highway Budget 2014 Budget
Amendment Due to Increased State Maintenance Agreement Funds. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation annually contracts with
the Bayfield County Highway Department to provide maintenance services on the State
Highway System; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department entered into the 2014
Agreement for a winter maintenance amount of $425,000; and
WHEREAS, an amendment made under §84.07(1) provided an additional $110,849
to offset some of the above normal State winter maintenance efforts between January
and April of 2014.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March, 2015, recognizes an increase to the Highway
Department’s internal service fund which shows as an increased revenue account 710-71-
47231 by $110,849 State General Maintenance Revenue and a corresponding increased
expense account 710-71-53321-50191 by $110,849 State General Maintenance Expense.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-26, Highway Budget 2014 Budget Amendment Due to Increased State
Maintenance Agreement Funds. A roll call vote took place as follows: Rondeau-yes;
Meyers-yes via telephone conference; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-
yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-
yes; Crandall-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no, the motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-19, Opposing State Budget
Proposed Efforts to Transition from Municipal to County Assessment. Abeles-Allison
explained this Resolution to the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the
Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Governor Walker’s 2015-2017 state budget transitions from municipal
assessment to county assessment of property values by 2017; and
WHEREAS, the assessment proposal arbitrarily establishes 2015 as the base year
for determining a municipality’s payment to the county for assessment services; and
WHEREAS, the current funding proposal provides counties with insufficient
funding to cover assessment costs; and
WHEREAS, the current state levy limit law prohibits counties from generating
additional property tax dollars to support county assessment; and
WHEREAS, the state’s concerns over current assessment practices are better
addressed outside of the state budget process.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March, 2015, does hereby oppose the proposed
transition from municipal to county assessment and urges the Wisconsin State Legislature
to remove the provision from the state budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Wisconsin, local governments,
assessors, and other stakeholders should study how the current assessment system can be
improved and jointly recommend a set of changes to improve assessment practices.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Crandall/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-19, Opposing State Budget Proposed Efforts to Transition from Municipal
to County Assessment. The motion carried.
15. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-16, Request for an Increase in the
State Funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for County Forest Lands from
30¢ to $1.00 per acre. Abeles-Allison explained the Resolution and the Board dispensed
of its reading, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has 12 towns with county forest totaling 169,394 acres
of land; and
WHEREAS, County Forest lands are entered under Wisconsin State Statute 28.11
County Forest Law, which outlines the framework for County Forest Management; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin State Statute 28.11 requires compensation and a reasonable
revenue to Towns; and
WHEREAS, The State currently provides a PILT payment of $.30 per acre to local
units of government containing County Forest lands. This amount was established in 1989
and has not increased in over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, National PILT payments for National Forest lands are approximately
$1.00 per acre to local units of government; and
WHEREAS, PILT payments to towns help maintain forest roads providing access
into the county forest; and
WHEREAS, an increase in the County Forest PILT payment to $1 would increase
payments to Towns in Bayfield County by over $100,000 annually; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the forest mil tax for at least three
years.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March, 2015, supports an increased PILT payment
to Counties with County Forest Lands to $1.00 per acre.
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By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-16, Request for an Increase in the State Funding for the Payment in Lieu
of Taxes (PILT) for County Forest Lands from 30¢ to $1.00 per acre. Discussion
took place regarding support from the Wisconsin County Forest Association and support
from adjacent counties as well. Agricultural land and managed forest land doesn’t help
with these lands. The State should look at this before it looks at PILT. Discussion also
took place that federal lands are not harvested to their potential. We should ask them
that if they can’t harvest the timber to hire someone to do it so the timber doesn’t go to
waste. The motion carried.
16. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-17, Request for Continued State
Funding for the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility. The Board dispensed
with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility has operated an
aquaculture research facility just outside of Red Cliff since 2006; and
WHEREAS, the facility researches different species of fish for commercial
development that are suitable for aquaculture in our region; and
WHEREAS, a proposal to cut this funding is being considered by the State Legislature
by reducing tribal gaming funds by $417,000; and
WHEREAS, the NADF has brought in more than $3.3 million in federal and private
grant funds to support and advance Wisconsin aqua-businesses (aquaculture and aquaponics);
and
WHEREAS, the NADF is staffed by four full-time and three part-time employees along
with more than 100 students who are planning careers in aqua-businesses in Wisconsin. These
positions will be cut and workforce training for students lost if funding is not restored; and
WHEREAS, NADF worked with Nelson & Pade, Inc. of Montello, WI to establish the
nation’s first Aquaponics Innovation Center, an aquaculture minor, aquaponics courses leading to
a college certificate and the International Aquaponics Society. Combined, these efforts bring
more than 250 people to Wisconsin annually for job training and business commercialization;
and
WHEREAS, NADF has assisted, partnered, or collaborated with many agencies and
organizations including: Northside Enterprises and Blue Iris Fish Farm in Black Creek, WI,
Aquaterra in Bristol, WI, Coolwater Farms in Cambridge, WI, Pepco Fish Farm in Cecil, WI,
The US Department of Commerce, NOA, US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
and University of Wisconsin to develop, sustain, and advance aquaculture and aquaponic
industries in Wisconsin as well as provide outreach, education and research related to
aquaculture and aquaponics in the state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March 2015, does hereby request that Governor
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Walker reconsider his proposal to eliminate funding for the Northern Aquaculture
Demonstration Facility via the reduction in tribal gaming revenues in the state budget; and.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk provides a copy of this resolution
to Governor Scott Walker, State Senator Janet Bewley, and Representative Beth Meyers.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Bussey/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2015-17, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-17, Request for Continued State
Funding for the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility. The motion carried.
17. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-27, Supporting State Funding for
Tourism Specialist Position at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC) is managed through
a unique public-private partnership that makes it feasible to have such a top notch facility
to serve this area; and
WHEREAS, the Tourism Specialist Position is a key position that connects the
public to our natural resources and area businesses as well as facilitating over 500 meeting
& events annually; and
WHEREAS, the proposed state budget eliminates funding for this position.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 31st day of March, 2015, hereby requests that the funding be
restored for the Tourism Specialist Position so the NGLVC can continue to be an example
of a successful public-private partnership and a key contributor to our tourism-based
economy.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Jardine/Bussey to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2015-27, Supporting State Funding for Tourism Specialist Position at the Northern
Great Lakes Visitor Center. Discussion took place on this matter suggesting that
Bayfield County should put someone out at the Visitor’s Center. Supervisor Meyers
encouraged everyone to send a letter to the Joint Finance Committee. The motion
carried.
18. Presentation of 2014 Bayfield County Criminal Justice Program Annual
Report. Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice Coordinator, was present to review her Annual
Report with the Board. Spurlock thanked the Board for hiring her 10 years ago and for
that went over the progress has made in its 10 years. Spurlock pointed out that this is a
collaborative effort and there is no way to accomplish these tasks if it isn’t. In her office
besides herself, she has 2 part-time position; Chad Lalor and Anthony Benedict, with both
of these positions being funded in part by a grant. Spurlock went over her report.
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Supervisor Rondeau commented on want an excellent job Spurlock is doing. A
motion was made by Rondeau/Crandall to receive and place on file the 2014 Bayfield
County Criminal Justice Program Annual Report. The motion carried. The Board
thanked Spurlock for a good job. Jails surrounding Bayfield County are busting at the
seams while we have kept attendance down through these programs, which seem to be
working.
19. Approval of Authorized Emergency Fire Wardens for the Issuance of
Burn Permits in Bayfield County for year 2015. The Emergency Fire Wardens for 2015
are as follows:
Rondeau’s Shopping Center (James Rondeau) Town of Cable
Namakagon Transfer (Ted Green) Town of Cable
Mogasheen Resort (Henry & Patsy Reickhoff) Town of Cable
Cabin Store (Pat & Kara Foat) Town of Barnes
Bear Country Sports (Craig Manthey) Town of Drummond
Forest Point Golf Course (Dave & Andrea Babcock) Town of Gordon
Johnson’s Store (Jessica Johnson) Town of Port Wing
Iron River Hardware (Phil Knapp) Town of Iron River
USDA Forest Service Washburn (Joni Guenther) Town of Washburn
City of Bayfield (Tom Kovachevich) Town of Bayfield
G & M Country Story (Maryann Koval) Town of Mason
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bennett to approve the Emergency Fire
Wardens for the issuance of burn permits in Bayfield County for year 2015. The
motion carried.
20. Discussion & Possible Action Regarding Future Joint Meeting Between the
Red Cliff Band of Chippewa Indians and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors.
Abeles-Allison explained that he would like to hold this meeting this fall. This meeting will
be for discussion purposes only. Supervisor Bussey stated that this is a request by Tribal
Council members to meet with us and discuss items. A motion was made by
Harold/Jardine to hold this meeting, however, when we do it would be held in the
Bayfield County Board Room. The motion carried with one opposition.
21. 2014 Forestry Accomplishment Report Executive Summary and Bayfield
County Forestry & Parks Department Annual Accomplishment Report for Calendar Year
2014. Jason Bodin, County Forest Administrator, was present to explain his report. Due
to its length, a copy of the report can be viewed in the County Clerk’s office. A motion
was made by Rondeau/Jardine to receive and place on file the 2014 Forestry
Accomplishment Report Executive Summary and Bayfield County Forestry & Parks
Department Annual Accomplishment Report for Calendar Year 2014. The motion
carried.
Chairman Pocernich stated that an executive/closed session is not needed at this
time. A copy of the summer relating to the Administrator’s Evaluations was given to those
Supervisors who didn’t have one.
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22. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates: April 21st, Per State Statute
(§59.11); May 12th @ 4:00 p.m. Budget Meeting; May 26th Regular
Board Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.; June 30th @ 6:00 p.m.
b) County Clerk Fibert reminded everyone to vote on April 7th and listed
those who were up for re-election;
c) Wisconsin Counties Association Video, “What are Counties?”
Abeles-Allison reported that the video didn’t work and we will have it
for the next meeting.
23. Supervisors’ Reports:
a) Committee Chair Reports. Supervisor Meyers announced that this is
her final meeting; she appreciated the time that she has spent with
each of the Board members. The Board thanked her and gave her a
warm round of applause. Meyers stated that she has sent her letter
of resignation in to the Sheriff per Wisconsin Statutes and the
Sheriff will then notify the County Clerk’s office.
It was noted that on the next agenda, we will be nominating her
replacement. The Chair can present names to the Board, but the
Board will do the approving. Discussion regarding this and that if we
have rules about who does the nominating, etc., we should stick to
them.
b) Future Agenda Items. None.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert, County Clerk
SSF/dmb