HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 5/26/2015
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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Budget Meeting
Of May 26, 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 6:03 p.m. Pocernich welcomed everyone to the meeting.
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; District #1 Seat-vacant; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki-present; Bussey-
present; Jardine-present; Kittleson-present; Bennett-present. Total: 13, 12 present,
Dist. 1 - vacant. A quorum of board members was present to conduct business. The
following individuals were also present for the meeting; Mark Abeles-Allison, County
Administrator; Dawn Bellile, Deputy County Clerk; Jan Victorson, Emergency Mgmt.; Tim
Kane, UW-Ext Agent, Brenda Spurlock, Criminal Justice Coordinator; Paul Susienka,
Sheriff; Terry Kramolis, Health Director, and community residents.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
1. Public Comment – Chairman Pocernich reminded 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 also informed
the public that if someone wants to comment on Agenda Item #7, now is the time, as
there will be no public comment at that time.
Rose Soulier, Chair for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, was
present to address the vacancy of District #1 Supervisor. Soulier apologized that she
wasn’t at last month’s meeting and her inquiry today was why the Tribal Council’s letter was
not recognized appropriately. Soulier clarified statements that were mentioned at the
last month’s meeting which she felt were made to make Goodwin look bad and in her opinion
were uncalled for. The Tribal Council has not changed their position. They have been
without representation for some time now and it is not appropriate that they be without
any longer.
Soulier read the letter to the Board (a copy is in the Clerk’s office for review).
The Tribe was informing the Board of their support for Brian Goodwin as the individual to
replace Beth Meyers in Supervisory District 1. Goodwin is an individual that is well known
to them, who in their view, has the knowledge, experience and understanding of the
diverse and unique nature of the reservation community and its residents to effectively
represent those interests. The Red Cliff Band is formally endorsing Brian Goodwin to
fulfill Beth Meyers’ unexpired Supervisor seat. Soulier stated that she is hopeful you will
honor the request and that of the Town of Russell in making this appointment.
David Good, Town of Russell thought after reading the letters sent and
recommendations given, that the Board would have had the common sense to follow the
recommendations of the Tribe and Town. The two government authorities involved with
District Supervisory Seat 1 have both given the recommendation of Goodwin to be their
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representative. Good urged the board to do the right thing by appointing Goodwin for the
unexpired term of Meyers. Good wished them the best in their guidance this evening.
Jan Victorson, Bayfield County. Victorson said she had an invitation for the Board.
Victorson passed out documentation entitled “You are Invited.” This document invites
everyone to “Be Somebody.” What this is, is a Fire and EMS recruitment campaign and a
chance to see who the people in your area who volunteer their time in our fire and
ambulance departments. This event will be held from noon until 3:00 pm in Brule (along US
Hwy 2). Victorson read off the names of the people who are employed with Bayfield
County who also volunteer for either the fire or ambulance departments. Victorson
thanked the Board for their support.
Anthony Johanik, Supervisor, Town of Eileen, spoke on the demolition of or moving
of the agriculture station buildings at the Ag Station. The Town was hoping to possibly be
able to use the facility once again. They would like to sit down and discuss the use of the
facility once again before the County either sells or tears down the structure.
2. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-33, Honoring Michael Furtak upon
his Retirement from the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department. Mark Abeles-
Allison read the Resolution. Furtak was unable to attend the meeting. The Resolution
reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Mike Furtak has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor
and dedication in the Planning & Zoning Department for over 14 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 26th day of May, 2015, honors Mike Furtak for his 14
years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts,
wishing him well in the years ahead.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Strand to adopt Bayfield County
Resolution No. 2015-33, Honoring Michael Furtak upon his Retirement from the
Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department. The motion carried.
3. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-32, Honoring Dennis Swenson,
Volunteer EMT with the South Shore Ambulance Service. Jan Victorson, Emergency
Management Coordinator, read the Resolution, which reads as follow:
WHEREAS, Dennis Duane Swenson was a volunteer Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) with the South Shore Ambulance Service for 27 years; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County recognizes and supports EMTs, firefighters,
and other volunteers of Bayfield County; and
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WHEREAS, Bayfield County understands and appreciates the volunteer
efforts of EMTs, and asks all residents to show their appreciation and consider
volunteering for the betterment of our community; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Duane Swenson of Cornucopia, died in the line of duty on
Friday, May 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Swenson died attempting to save another; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Swenson’s heroic act and death has impacted the entire
community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 26th day of May, 2015, honors EMT Dennis Swenson
with the passage of this resolution and a moment of silence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded
to the South Shore Ambulance Service and the family of Dennis Swenson.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Jardine/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-32 Honoring Dennis Swenson, Volunteer EMT with the South Shore
Ambulance Service. The motion carried.
4. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment of and
Confirmation of Supervisory District #1, Replacing Beth Meyers. Chairman Pocernich
stated that he again went over the rules as to how a Supervisor is replaced. The County
Board Chair nominates his/her candidate and the County Board approves the nomination.
Pocernich stated that after the number of telephone calls he made and received, he is
again recommending to the Board that they approve the appointment of Kathleen Wendling
to fill the vacancy left by Supervisor Beth Meyers.
Discussion started with Supervisor Miller asking how the Board in good conscious
could go against the Town of Russell and Red Cliff Tribe’s recommendation in appointing
Brian Goodwin. Miller went on to state that Wendling was voted down at the last meeting
and Goodwin wasn’t appointed either. The Board sent a message last time that it wasn’t
their intent to have Wendling. Supervisor Strand stated that Wendling has shown a
strong desire to be on the County Board and to work with the Town and Tribe, look at her
resume. Wendling has been at our County Board meetings, keeping up with the County’s
subjects. In looking at her resume, she has continued to show leadership in her
professional, personal and community life and believes she would be a good leader Bayfield
County.
Bussey stated he would vote to confirm appointment as well. While both candidates
are qualified, and Goodwin has come with recommendation from both the Town of Russell
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and Tribe, both candidates are due serious consideration. He would vote to fill the
unexpired term of Meyers with Wendling and next spring the residents in the Town of
Russell and Red Cliff can elect whomever they choose. Supervisor Meyers’
recommendation is that we appoint Wendling and that she is well qualified for the position.
The voters elected Meyers to the County Board and Meyers is recommending Wendling fill
her seat. It is for those reasons he will vote for Wendling. Wendling would appropriately
be filling the term and the Town of Russell can have a final say next April.
Kittleson, also spoke and was in agreement with Meyers’ recommendation. Wendling
has the qualifications that are needed and feels that she is the one who will fill Meyers’
spot the best.
Miller spoke again reminding everyone that Meyers chose to resign and it isn’t up to
Meyers to fill the position. We will be doing a great disservice to the Town of Russell and
the Tribe if we don’t’ follow the recommendation from both of these entities.
There being no further discussion, a motion was made by Maki/Strand to confirm
the County Board Chair’s appointment of Kathleen Wendling to the Bayfield County
Supervisory District #1, filling the unexpired term of Beth Meyers. Miller asked for
a roll call which was taken as follows: Strand-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-no;
Miller-no; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-no; District #1-vacant; Bussey-yes; Jardine-no;
Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes. Total: 13, 8 yes, 4 no, 1
vacancy. The motion carried.
Scott S. Fibert, County Clerk, swore in Kathleen Wendling to Bayfield County
Supervisory District #1. A brief discussion took place that Wendling will be filling most of
Meyers’ vacancies on committees. Pocernich will take care of this as he doesn’t need
Board approval to do this.
5. Motion to Approve Minutes of April 21st and May 12th, 2015 County
Board Meetings. A motion was made by Strand/Kittleson to approve the minutes of
the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 21, 2015 as presented.
The motion carried.
A motion was made by Crandall/Bussey to approve the minutes of the Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors on May 12, 2015 as presented. The motion carried.
6. Presentation of UW-Extension Highlights 2014 Annual Report. Tim Kane,
UW-Extension Community Development Agent, was present to share some of the year
2014 highlights of the UW-Extension office. Kane passed out a copy of the 2014 Annual
Report and shared some of the highlights with the Board. The UW-Extension Office
brings the educational sources of the UW-system to the County level. The programs that
are offered on the County level are: Community Development Education, Family Living
Education, Agricultural Community & Economic Development, Horticulture Education, 4-H &
Youth Development, Nutrition Education. Besides these resources the UW-Extension
office holds a Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep. Last year, 131 pounds of unwanted
medication and controlled substances were collected. Jail inmate education and financial
education classes are taught. Supervisors commented that Bayfield County is fortunate to
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have this type of education. They thanked Kane and UW-Extension office staff for doing
a good job.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to receive and place on file the 2014
UW-Extension Highlights Annual Report. The motion carried.
Next, not on the agenda, Supervisor Kittleson presented Tim Kane an award for his
25 years of service to the UW-Extension program. Kane thanked the Board and said that
they were a great group of people to work with. The Board presented him with a first
ever muscle cake.
7. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Bayfield County Business Park
Houses and Conference Center. Chairman Pocernich turned this subject over to Abeles-
Allison. Abeles-Allison stated that at the last Board meeting, he was asked to solicit bids
for the removal and/or demolition of the 2 house and conference center at the Ag Station.
Proposals were sent out, a copy which is included in your packet. The general proposals
were for complete removal of 1-3 structure, including foundation and partial removal of 1-
3 structure; this is if a whole structure is to be moved off site.
An asbestos analogy, from Northwest Regional Planning will have to be done, which
the County would be responsible for as well as utilities disconnect, demolition permitting,
marking utilities and removal of solar hot water from 2-story house. The proposals must
be good for a period of at least 90 days to begin after September 1, 2015 or as otherwise
agreed. All work is to be completed within 30 days after commencement.
We received 2 proposals, Received 2 proposals; 1 from Angelo Luppino for
$45,000 and the other from Ralph Frostman of South Shore Land & Gravel for $27,800.
Frostman will divide in the event we want to only take down 2 structures. The 2 bids are
for the demolition but not the removal of the buildings.
Discussion started with Supervisor Bichanich asking if we shouldn’t go in a
different direction. Detach the 3 buildings from the business center and give them to the
Town of Eileen as they are interested in them. Discussion on whether there would be a
hook up charge to us because we are discontinuing service. There could be a charge to us
in the approximate amount of $2,000 as was quoted per connection. The Town of Eileen
has stated to us this evening that they are interested in the conference building.
Discussion moved to why the septic system is being left in. It was explained that it
is a commercial, large experimental mound system that provides service to the conference
room, both houses, and dairy barns at one time. It is a massive mound system. Supervisor
Maki didn’t like the idea of tearing down the 3 buildings. If the Town is willing to take
over all 3, let them come in with a proposal. If we don’t like it, we can tear them down, at
least give them a chance at it. Supervisor Rondeau thought Bichanich’s idea was good and
suggested that since they are a part of the County to sell it to them for $1. Supervisor
Crandall asked if there wasn’t some other interest in in another building from the buyer’s
co-op. The Executive Committee, has stated that the 38-acre parcel is prime real estate
for the business park. Discussion that it may be a good location, but it isn’t a prime
location. He believes the best would be between the buildings and were the sauna is.
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Supervisor Williams, stated that he mentioned at the last meeting that we have rent
coming in the approximate amount of $1,300 each month, so why would we remove or tear
down income before we have something in place? Supervisor Strand stated that his
predecessors must have felt there was a need for this park. It seems to be
counterproductive to leave the buildings in place if we plan to have this as a business park.
Discussion on what type of businesses would be going in to the park. What is the
difference if you have 2 buildings and a conference center versus a new building for the
Humane Society. Discussion on the possibility of giving the Town the buildings if they
agree to build up State Farm Road. Clarification was needed further regarding the Town’s
perspective on the buildings. A motion was made by Bennett/Rondeau to suspend the
rules to allow Anthony Johanik to speak to the board. The motion carried. Johanik
reported that the road was surveyed by a contractor and reported that the road is in
excellent condition. Johanik wasn’t sure if the Town wanted the use of the 2 houses, but
they could certainly use the conference center. Discussed whether or not the town would
be willing to make State Farm Road buildable for full-time trucking, etc. Johanik stated
that he would have to bring this back to the Town Board so they could discuss it.
Supervisor Bussey asked what a reasonable time would be 30, 60 days? The Town Board
meets the 2nd week in June. A motion was made by Bussey/Rondeau to postpone any
consideration of this to the next meeting which will give the Town of Eileen time to
meet and come back to the County Board with answers. Discussion. Kittleson asked
whether this should go back to Committee since everyone has a different plan. Kittleson
said she really didn’t care what happened to the buildings as long as the County gets the
money they put into it back out of it. You have to be accountable for the buildings, the
new roofs, solar power, etc. The Executive Committee meets on June 11th.
A motion was made by Miller/Rondeau to suspend the rules to allow Scottie
Sandstrom to speak. The motion carried. Sandstrom stated that if you don’t want to
tear down the buildings just yet, make the conference center available to the Town.
There are 3 years more on the lease to the Farmer’s Assoc. I would not recommend that
you piecemeal the parcels – give it the 3 years. Discussion on the economic development in
the future of the parcels. Parcel #7 is where the sauna is located ant Parcel #8 is where
the Humane Society is located. We still have 10 parcels which will have access to the
road. Why are we worried ab out the 2 houses and conference center? buildings
Supervisor Miller stated that 50 acres went to individuals that are not providing
jobs for Bayfield County, i.e., hay barns don’t bring jobs. We as a County should help the
townships out if we have the opportunity. The FEMA building being built as we speak is
being made for the residents of the Town of Iron River. If the township is willing to
assume the responsibility, this is the route to go. The buildings are no great asset and
State Farm Road is not open yearlong now. There is no guarantee that it will be open year
round. As far as building a business, this isn’t the road that should be used.
Sandstrom, talked about the Business Park. It can be a blend as it has been
agricultural, community possibly infrastructure. This isn’t just an industrial park. Have
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the foresight to use the funds in putting in a 3 phase power. That is going to create jobs.
That is a good investment for the infrastructure in the use of those dollars. Further
discussion took place and the motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-34, 2015 Budget Adjustment for
the County Treasurer’s Office. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution,
which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the County Treasurer has an authorized budget of $1500 for
temporary summer assistance; and
WHEREAS, an additional $700 will be needed in 2015 for additional staffing hours;
and
WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds available in the 2015 Contingency line item
to cover these costs; and
WHEREAS, County Policy requires that changes or transfer of funds from one line
item to another must be approved by the County Executive Committee, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 26th day of May, 2015 approves the following 2015 budget
amendment:
Decrease 2015 Contingency account:
100-00-51410-50000 by $700.00
Increase 2015 County Treasurer Budget line items as follows:
100-12-51521-50123 by $650.00
100-12-51521-50151 by $50
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-34, 2015 Budget Adjustment for the County Treasurer’s Office. A roll
call vote was taken as follows: Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-
yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes;
Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes. Total: 13, 13 yes, 0 no. The motion
carried.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-35, 2015 County Board Adjustment
for the Large-Scale Committee Expenses. Abeles-Allison explained the Resolution. The
Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the County Board has authorized the formation of a Large-Scale
Livestock Study Committee as identified in resolution 2015-06, which creates Section 5-4
of the Bayfield County Ordinances; and
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WHEREAS, $10,000 was originally authorized to pay expenses related to the study,
and the ordinance requires that additional funding must be approved by the full County
Board; and
WHEREAS, the Large Scale Livestock Study Committee has recommended that
hydrologic, geologic and well data are needed as part of the study; and
WHEREAS, the Large Scale Livestock Study Committee has identified that
$14,315 will be needed to compile this data; and
WHEREAS, the County Executive Committee has reviewed and recommended an
additional $14,315 for the study; and
WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds available in the 2015 Contingency line item
to cover these costs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 26th day of May, 2015, approves the following 2015 budget
amendment:
Decrease 2015 Contingency account: 100-00-51410-50000 by $24,315.00
Increase 2015 County Board Budget line items as follows:
Per Diem 100-01-51111-50140 by $6,750.00
Mileage 100-01-51111-50332 by $3,250.00
Contractual Services 100-01-51111-50290 by $14,315.00
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Strand/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-35, County Board Adjustment for the Large-Scale Committee Expenses. A
roll call vote was taken as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-
no; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-no; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes;
Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-yes. Total: 13, 11 yes, 2 no. The motion
carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-36, In Opposition to Reduced
Services in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Abeles-Allison reported for
Mary Motiff who was unable to attend this evening’s meeting. There have been a number
of closures in Bayfield County regarding trails. The Tourism Committee is opposing such
closures and wants to send a formal Resolution stating as such. The Board dispensed with
the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the USDA Forest Service owns and manages approximately
240,000 acres of land in Bayfield County; and
WHEREAS outdoor recreation is a key component of the tourism economy;
and
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WHEREAS tourism is one of the top industries in Bayfield County; and
WHEREAS the reduction in services in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National
Forest will have a detrimental effect on businesses in the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, assembled this 26th day of May, 2015, does oppose the reduction of
services by the USDA Forest Service in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
in 2015; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that at a minimum, we would like to see toilet
facilities remain open for the summer 2015 season at Bladder Lake Day Use Area,
Drummond Ski Trailhead, Lake Owen Day Use Area and the Valhalla Recreation
Area.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-36, In Opposition to Reduced Services in the Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest. Discussion took place on how some trails are being cut off completely,
and how they will spend more money on closing the facilities than keeping them open. The
motion carried.
11. Report of the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding
the Ronald Smith Parcel Located in Section 35, T45N, R8W, town of Drummond, to
be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Residential-One (R-1) Report. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Report, which reads as follows:
TO: The County Board of Supervisors of Bayfield County on the hearing of
petitions to amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance.
The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, having held a public hearing pursuant to Section 59.69(5)(e),
Wisconsin Statutes; notice thereof having been given as provided by law; and
having been duly informed of the facts pertinent to the following changes;
hereby recommends the following action on said petition:
The zoning of Ronald Smith 0.31-acre (shoreland/wetland) parcel (Tax ID
#33924) described as CSM# 983, Section 35, Township 45 North, Range 8 West,
Town of Drummond, Bayfield County, WI be changed from Forestry-2 (F-2) to
Forestry-1 (F-1). Residential-1 (R-1).
Date: February 19, 2015 and Reheard April 16, 2015.
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The Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Recommendation is: Be
Approved.
BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
William Bussey, Kenneth Jardine, Brett Rondeau, Fred Strand
A motion was made by Miller/Bennett to receive and place on file the Report
of the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding the Ronald Smith
Parcel Located in Section 35, T45N, R8W, town of Drummond, to be changed from
Forestry-Two (F-2) to Residential-One (R-1). The motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Zoning Amendatory Ordinance No. 2015-07 Regarding
the Ronald Smith Parcel Located in Section 35, T45N, R8W, town of Drummond, to
be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Residential-One (R-1) Report. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Ordinance, which reads as follows:
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows:
That the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, adopted June 1, 1976, be and the same,
is hereby amended as follows:
The zoning of Ronald Smith 0.31-acre (shoreland/wetland) parcel (Tax ID
#33924) described as CSM# 983, Section 35, Township 45 North, Range 8 West,
Town of Drummond, Bayfield County, WI be changed from Forestry-2 (F-2) to
Forestry-1 (F-1). Residential-1 (R-1).
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Jardine/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Zoning
Amendatory Ordinance No. 2015-07, Regarding the Ronald Smith Parcel Located
in Section 35, T45N, R8W, town of Drummond, to be changed from Forestry-Two
(F-2) to Residential-One (R-1) Report. The motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-37, Increase the Payment in Lieu
of Taxes (PILT) for the 29 Counties in Wisconsin who have County Forest Lands from
30¢ to $1.00. Abeles-Allison explained to the Board that this might look familiar, but it
is coming as a recommendation to Wisconsin Counties Association. The money will go to
the towns. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as
follows:
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin has 29 Counties with 2.4 million acres of County
Forest 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
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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, sufficient funds are available in the Forest Mill Tax.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, assembled this 26th day of May, 2015, supports an increased PILT payment to
Counties with County Forest Lands to $1.00 per acre; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors supports
the Wisconsin Counties Association’s recommendation to urge the State Legislature to increase
the PILT/Acreage Share Payment to towns with County Forest Lands, from the Wisconsin
Forestry Mill Tax Account to $1.00 per acre.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
A motion was made by Maki/Strand to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2015-37, Increase the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for the 29 Counties in
Wisconsin who have County Forest Lands from 30¢ to $1.00. The motion carried with
one opposition.
14. Appointment of Aquatic Invasive Species Committee Member.
Chairman Pocernich announced that this will be postponed to the next meeting.
15. Administrator’s Report:
a) Time for Future April County Board Meetings. Fibert reminded
the Board that April meetings are dictated by State Statute. The
years when Board Supervisors are sworn into office the meeting is
held at 9:00 a.m. Fibert is proposing that all April meetings, whether
an election year or not, start at 9:00 a.m. Supervisor Maki would like
to see them at 10:00 a.m.
b) WCA Conference. If you are planning on attending, let the
administrator know as soon as possible so as to make the necessary
reservations.
c) Budget Planning Follow-up: Supervisor Strand asked what would
happen if we don’t levy, would there be any repercations? Next year,
we can levy up to 1.5% and go over the levy by that amount.
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16. Supervisors’ Reports: Supervisor Strand reported that the Large-Scale
Livestock Study Committee is continuing to pursue different avenues of information. We
have had 2 meetings and toured the Anderson Dairy Farm. Attorney Coleman gave an
update on what the Committee can and can’t do. The topic of ground water has been
discussed and we found out that 90% of Bayfield County gets their drinking water from
underground wells. They have approximately 800 animals with 440 being milked. They
appeared to be happy cows. We will be studying surface water, water quality, quantity and
microbiological information as well as odor and air issues. Once we receive all of the
necessary information we will formulate recommendations. There will be another
information gathering presentation at the Visitor’s Center on May 28th on nutrient
management. At our meeting on June 4, there will be a presentation on surface water
quantity and quality for the Chequamegon Bay area.
Supervisor Miller spoke about the Forestry Department stating they had a timber
sale of approximately $3.6 million. A concern with the Department is that Hwy D has
posted the road with a 40,000 pound deterrent. They are getting money in to fix the
roads and then a Class B sign is put up not to use the road. Where’s the logic?
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert,
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/dmb