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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 9/29/2015385 Minutes of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Budget Meeting Of September 29, 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 6:00 p.m. Pocernich welcomed everyone to the meeting. Roll call was taken by County Clerk, Scott Fibert as follows: Pocernich-present; Strand- absent; Williams-present; Bichanich-present; Miller-present; Crandall-present; Rondeau- present; Wendling-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki-present; 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; Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator; Dawn Bellile, Deputy County Clerk. Elizabeth Skulan, HS Director; Rob Schierman, Zoning Director; Chris Zeman, Representative to Senator Ron Johnson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. 1. Public Comment: None. 2. Motion Approve the Minutes of the August 25, 2015 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes. A motion was made by Rondeau/Williams to adopt the minutes of the August 25, 2015, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried. 3. Introduction & Update from U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s Office. Abeles- Allison informed the Board that Chris Zeman had contacted the County Clerk’s office stating he would like to attend the next County Board Meeting. Zeman thanked the Board for allowing him time to speak with them. Zeman reported that his position is Regional Director for Senator Ron Johnson, taking in 20 counties in Northern Wisconsin. As part of his duties, he is to touch base with as many constituents as possible and to also attend city and/or county meetings, giving the members an update as to the goings on in Senator Johnson’s office. One hot topic on the agenda as of late has been the Abortion Act. Zeman also informed the Board that Senator Johnson is the Chair for the Homeland Security Governmental Affairs Committee. Zeman further updated the Board with some pertinent information to each of the positions that Johnson holds as Senator. Zeman will be at the Ashland County Courthouse on Wed., Sept. 30th if anyone should need to talk to him. The Board took part in a discussion with Zeman on how to get word to Johnson that we need funding for our highways up here. Funding has dropped significantly and this is of much importance to Bayfield County. Board thanked him for coming. Zeman said he would pass this information on to Senator Johnson. Zeman then thanked the Board for allowing him time to speak and the Board thanked him for coming. 4. Presentation of 2014 Department of Human Services Annual Report. Elizabeth Skulan, Human Services Director, was present to review the Report with the Board. Skulan picked out a few pages of importance and explained them in depth a little 386 more. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Report. Due to the length of the Report, it is not contained in the minutes, however a copy can be obtained from the County Clerk’s office. A motion was made by Rondeau/Bennett to receive and place on file the 2014 Department of Human Services Annual Report. The motion carried. 5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-46, Appointment of New Representative to the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission. Skulan reported that this is a facility for individuals who have Alzheimer’s or a similar disease. Supervisor Bussey has been on this Commission but no longer is. Supervisor Wendling has expressed an interest in serving in this capacity. The facility is located in Neilsville. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: Board. Whereas, Bayfield County Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for protective placements of individuals deemed incompetent; and Whereas, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia cannot be involuntarily committed for mental health treatment in a mental health facility under Chapter 51; and Whereas, Bayfield County has entered into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Woodland Enhanced Health Services to allow for additional and cost effective placement options for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia as well as other adults difficult to place due to challenging behaviors; and Whereas, each partner county is allowed one appointee to serve on the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission; and Whereas, the Bayfield County appointee has served on the Human Services Committee and the full County Board; and Whereas, the current appointee, Supervisor Bill Bussey, is no longer a member of the Human Services Committee and has requested a replacement to act as the Bayfield County representative to the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission; and Whereas, County Board Supervisor Kathy Wendling, a member of the Human Services Committee, has expressed an interest in serving as the Bayfield County representative to the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of September, 2015, supports the appointment of Kathy Wendling as the Bayfield County representative to the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission; and recommends her appointment to the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Miller/Rondeau to appoint Kathy Wendling to the Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission. The motion carried. 387 6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-47, Authorizing a One-Time Increase from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services Risk Reserve from 2014 Excess. Skulan explained that residents that need care for their well-being and treatment are placed in facilities to help with this. It has been determined that the Level 5 Treatment Foster Home licensure for Northland Counseling in Ashland, the provider of crisis stabilization to Bayfield County youth in Crisis has been invalid from October, 2010 to present. It was noted that Bayfield County has already placed children in the facility not realizing that the license was invalid. There was excess funding in the 2014 Bayfield County budget that could be used to support a one-time funding increase to the Dept. of Human Services’ Risk Reserve and the auditors deem it prudent to set aside funds until the matter is resolved. Skulan is asking that the Board allow this funding. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, Bayfield County Department of Human Services (DHS) has primary responsibility to provide for the well-being, treatment, and care of its residents in need of emergency crisis services for mental health and substance abuse when the individual lacks insurance and no other funding source is available; and WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (WI DCF) has determined that the Level 5 Treatment Foster Home licensure for Northland Counseling in Ashland, the provider of crisis stabilization to Bayfield County youth in crisis, was invalid from October 2010 to present; and WHEREAS, there is a possibility that Bayfield County will be asked to reimburse Medicaid for funding that was secured as a result of Medicaid billing for placements made to the Level 5 Treatment Foster Home at Northland Counseling from October 2010 to present; and WHEREAS, Ashland, Bayfield, Iron, Price and Sawyer Counties will continue to work with Northland Counseling, the Wisconsin Departments of Children and Families (WI DCF) and the Health Services (WI DHS) until the issue is resolved and will continue to advocate that the State identify alternative funding to fill this gap; and WHEREAS, there was excess funding in the 2014 Bayfield County budget that can be used to support a one-time funding increase to the Department of Human Services’ Risk Reserve and discussions with the county auditors deem it prudent to set aside funds until the matter is resolved; and WHEREAS, any or all funding not used to reimburse Medicaid will revert back to the General Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of September, 2015, recommends a one-time transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services Risk Reserve Fund in the amount of $80,000. 388 By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Crandall/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-47, Authorizing a One-Time Increase from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services Risk Reserve Fund. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Strand-absent; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes. Total: 13; 12 yes, 1 absent. The motion carried. 7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-48, Support Improved Broadband Access in Bayfield County. Abeles-Allison explained that many towns in Bayfield County are looking into improving their broadband access and infrastructure. Bayfield County is encouraging town to apply for state Public Service Commission Broadband Expansion Grant program funds. This Resolution is for the hopeful cooperation among Bayfield County and its towns for this to succeed. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, having access to high speed (broadband) Internet is a necessity for full participation in today’s economy and society. It is essential infrastructure for Bayfield County, its communities and its citizens to remain competitive in the 21st Century for economic development, business development, job creation, communication, public safety, education, healthcare, entertainment and other future uses; and WHEREAS, significant portions of Bayfield County are below average in Internet speed, adoption and capacity compared to the rest of the state, nation and worldwide competitors; and WHEREAS, a substantial part of many Towns in the County are unserved or underserved by broadband; and WHEREAS, the citizens and businesses in Bayfield County have expressed their desire and need for improved broadband Internet service to their local government officials and their Internet service provider; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County and Towns could serve as catalysts for supporting improvements in broadband Internet service by partnering with CenturyLink and Norvado, two local broadband providers; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County encourages Towns to apply for state Public Service Commission Broadband Expansion Grant Program funds and the Federal Communications Commission Connect America Program Grant for the purpose of constructing broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the County; and WHEREAS, cooperation and collaboration among Bayfield County and Towns will be necessary for success. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of September, 2015, strongly supports the goal of 389 providing the best possible broadband Internet availability in terms of speed, adoption rate by its citizens and data capacity for the citizens of Bayfield County. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Bussey/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-48, Support Improved Broadband Access in Bayfield County. The motion carried. 8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-49, 2015 Budget Amendment for Broadband Expansion Grant. Abeles-Allison explained this Resolution. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has awarded Bayfield County a grant for the expansion of broadband service to the Twin Bear and Delta Lake County Campgrounds; WHEREAS, the total amount of the award is $19,282; WHEREAS, these funds were not included in the 2015 budget; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, meeting this 29th day of September, 2015 approve the following budget amendment for the Broadband Expansion Grant Project: Increase Revenues: 430-34-43577 Broadband Grant $19,282 Increase Expenses: 430-34-57100-50290 Contractual Services $12,642 430-34-57100-50820 Capital Equipment $6,640 By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Jardine/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-49, 2015 Budget Amendment Broadband Expansion Grant. 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; Strand-absent. Total: 13; 12 yes, 1 absent. The motion carried. 9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-50, Authorizing Terms of a $150,000 Note to Northern Lights Services, Inc. Abeles-Allison explained that this was approved “by voice” at the last meeting, however, Treasurer Dan Anderson, stated it should be in written out in a formal fashion. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: 390 WHEREAS, Bayfield County issued a $180,000 note to Northern Lights Services, Inc. on November 12, 2012, calling for interest only payments over the last two years and payment in full in September of 2015; WHEREAS, Northern Lights Services, Inc. has made all required interest payments to date; WHEREAS, Northern Lights Services, Inc. has requested a modification to the current payment plan; WHEREAS, Northern Lights proposes to pay $30,000 toward the principal in September, 2015, bringing the principal note to $150,000; WHEREAS, Northern Lights proposes to make annual $30,000 principal plus 1% interest payments, over the next 5 years with full pay-off scheduled for September 2020; WHEREAS, Bayfield County currently maintains a line of credit collateral pledge in the amount of $200,000 at 0% interest for Northern Lights Services Inc.; WHEREAS, Bayfield County currently maintains a collateral pledge for the Northern Lights Services, Inc. Unemployment Reserve Fund in the amount of $72,432.62; WHEREAS, Northern Lights Services, Inc. has requested that both the Line of Credit Collateral Pledge and collateral pledge for the Unemployment Reserve Fund be extended through September 1, 2016; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of September, 2015, agrees to extend financial arrangements with Northern Lights Services, Inc. as follows: 1. Issue a one year note in the amount of $150,000 to Northern Lights Services, Inc., effective September 1, 2015 until September 1, 2016. Interest will be at the rate of 1%. The interest payment is due September, 1 2016. Four additional years of notes, each year decreasing by $30,000 as follows: PRINCIPAL INTEREST NOTE PAYMENT PAYMENT AMOUNT Sept. 1, 2016 $30,000 $1500 $120,000 Sept. 1, 2017 $30,000 $1200 $ 90,000 Sept. 1, 2018 $30,000 $ 900 $ 60,000 Sept. 1, 2019 $30,000 $ 600 $ 30,000 Sept. 1, 2020 $30,000 $ 300 0 2. Bayfield County agrees to continue the line of credit collateral pledge in the amount of $200,000 until September 1, 2016 at 0% interest. 391 3. Bayfield County agrees to continue the collateral pledge for the Unemployment Reserve Fund in the amount of $72,432.62 until September 1, 2016, at 0% interest. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-50, Authorizing Terms of a $150,000 Note to Northern Lights Services, Inc. A discussion took place on what would happen if Northern Lights stopped making payments. This is a legal document and legal action would be taken if need be. But for now, they are making the payments and it is a great situation right now. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Strand-absent; Williams-yes. Total: 13; 12 yes, 1 absent. The motion carried. 10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-51, Repealing Statutory Provisions Enacted in the State of Wisconsin 2015-2017 Budget Concerning Shoreland Zoning Standards (Sections 1922 am-1922L of 2015 Wisconsin Act 55). Rob Schierman, Zoning Director, was present to explain to the Board that there has been language that removed local control from shoreland zoning. Many different groups have come to the table to put the standards to where they are today. A lot of work has gone into our shoreland planning. We were asked to draft a Resolution that would have a compromise having local control back in the County’s hands. Schierman also explained to the Board, that he would ask that they remove the “8th Whereas paragraph as it is redundant of the paragraph immediately following. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows: WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board has previously adopted Resolution #2015-43 calling for the repeal of Paragraph 23 of Motion #520 inserted into the Wisconsin Budget Bill (SB 21 and AB 21) by the Joint Finance Committee; and WHEREAS, SB 21 and AB 21 have since been passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Walker; and WHEREAS, Paragraph 23 of Motion #520 changes the standards for regulation of existing structures in the shoreland area contrary to adopted standards in NR 115 and to the detriment of environmental quality and the orderly economic development of Bayfield County; and WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has adopted NR 115 and updated it periodically after public input and review; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County has 105 miles of coastline on Lake Superior, arguably one of the most important bodies of fresh water in the world; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County has over 400 miles of classified trout streams, which provide some of the finest trout fishing in the State; and 392 WHEREAS, Bayfield County has 962 inland lakes constituting 732 miles of shoreline, Bayfield County is unique in its abundance of water resources; and WHEREAS, it has been the expressed opinion of the citizens of Bayfield County and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors that additional protections of the County’s water resources are warranted; and WHEREAS, it has been the expressed opinion of the citizens of Bayfield County and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors that additional protections of the County’s water resources are warranted, resulting in additional protections of our surface and ground water that are considerably more protective than the minimums in NR 115, and Bayfield County feels strongly that Counties should be able to enforce more than the minimum standards to protect their unique resources; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County has been enforcing, publicly supported, water resource protection standards that exceed the minimum standards of NR 115 since December 12th, 2000, and has accumulated considerable experience while working with the more restrictive standards over the past 15 years, and furthermore has noted that these more restrictive standards have protected the water quality in Bayfield County, and at the same time have protected property values, the County’s wildlife and fisheries habitat, and the natural scenic beauty of Bayfield County’s shore lands, and at the same time provided flexibility to property owners in development of their property; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County feels that no change should be made to the minimum standards, such as has occurred as a result of the action of the Joint Finance Committee by inserting paragraph 23 of Motion #520 amending the 2015-2017 State of Wisconsin Budget (SB 21 and AB 21), without due consideration by the entire legislature, the Natural Resources Board, and the public because it weakens regulation of legal pre-existing structures and does not provide adequate protection of our valuable water resource; and WHEREAS, SB 21 and AB 21 as written will prevent the local governmental units charged by the State of Wisconsin with overseeing development within its shore lands from protecting the rights of the property owner, the citizens of the area, and the environment in a fair and equitable manner; and WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board supports legislation in the short, fall 2015, legislative session that would return oversight of shoreland protection to the Counties so that local control is restored to protect the lakes and streams unique to each County while ensuring that legal pre-existing structures may be repaired or replaced as necessary. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 29th day of September, 2015, hereby requests that the State of Wisconsin, repeal paragraph 23 of Motion #520 that amended the 2015-2017 Budget Bill (SB 21 and AB 21), with new legislation that will retain the current provisions of NR 115, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and thereby protect the citizens and environment of our County and great State. 393 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution, to repeal paragraph 23 of Motion #520 that amended the 2015-2017 Budget Bill (SB 21 and AB 21), will be forwarded to members of the Wisconsin Legislature representing Bayfield County, DNR Secretary, Secretary of Administration, and Governor Walker by the Bayfield County Clerk. By Action of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman A motion was made by Bussey/Jardine to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-51, and to remove the 8th Whereas paragraph. The motion carried 11. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Wage Study. Abeles-Allison handed documents out to the Board and explained to them that the last wage study was done in 2013 with a price tag of $15,000. This wage study did a number of specific things for Bayfield County. It established a new wage compensation plan for all County employees except those that were represented by a Union contract. Job descriptions were updated and sent to the job consultants. They in turn reviewed and did an analysis of approximately 40 other wages analysis’ from the public, private and non-profit sectors. They created a point factor analysis. Those positions were given a score. This all took place in 2012. This was adopted when the Union contracts expired on January 1, 2014. We have made a lot of changes to the document, but we continue to have concerns with certain positions. We have not come up with a merit wage system. All employees went to the medium level and this is what we paid from. We sent out proposals to for a new wage study and have received 2 back; 1 from Wipfli Consulting who did the first one and a second from the firm of Carlson-Dettman Consulting. The Wipfli Consulting firm came back with a proposal based on the steps outlined in the Scope and Approach of their proposal, they estimate the following professional fees to complete this project to be the following: Option 1: 8 positions and 1 on-site visit; $3,000 to $3,500 Option 2: 40 positions and 1 on-site visit; $12,000 - $13,000 The Executive Committee heard a presentation Carlson Dettman, based in Madison. This firm has done 7 different compensation schedules in our area. Abeles-Allison stated that he has spoken to Douglas County about them and they stated they worked very well with this company. They will review and provide a revised wage schedule for $10,000 and it will be done in 90 days. This will update the entire document. They would review internal equity as well as the wages in the region and meet with County officials and provide additional services. They would need $5,000 paid up front. At the September Personnel Committee Meeting, Charlie Carlson, President of Carlson-Dettman, spoke to the Committee as to what a fee would be for an entire new study. $28,000 would be the project price which would conduct the full study for up to 80 job classifications. This would also be looking at benefits as part of the wages. This would not include a merit wage study. The Personnel Committee has put aside $40,000 to pursue the performance management section of the wage study. There was not a quorum 394 to vote on this and that is why it has come to the full Board for discussion and hopeful approval. A very lengthy discussion took place about having another wage study conducted. Opinions were all over the spectrum from giving money back to the employees if we have so much to spend on a wage study to we already have a wage study in place, can’t just tweak it to make it what we want it to be. Further discussion on what the outcome will be if we have a new wage study done; will it be more effective than what we already have in place? A motion was made by Bussey/Rondeau that we accept the Carlson-Dettman Consulting Firm quote of $28,000.00 to pay for a new wage study to be compiled and pay for it out of the Contingency Fund. Discussion took place regarding what Bayfield County offers when a new person is applying for a job. Will this make it easier for us to get qualified people for the positions? Not offering vacation for an entire year seems to be an item that people are not in favor of as well. Those against the new wage study felt that this was going to be the same thing and nothing new would come from it. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-no; Maki-no; Kittleson-no; Bennett-yes; Strand-absent; Williams-yes; Bichanich-abstained. Total: 13; 8 yes, 3 no, 1 abstention, 1 absent. The motion carried. A motion was made by Bennett/Kittleson to move into Executive Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c); considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. The motion carried. A motion was made by Crandall/Rondeau to move out of Executive Session. The motion carried. 12. Administrator’s Report: a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:  Oct. 27th , Nov. 10th and Dec. 15th w/Red Cliff Tribe. Abeles-Allison stated that we are waiting for confirmation on a meeting date. Ideas were discussed on where to have meeting to accommodate everyone. It was stated that it was preferred in the Board Room. b) 2016 Budget Update. An update was given that the budget will be ready for Board approval at the October County Board Meeting. Executive Committee meetings have gone well and much has been discussed. c) WCA Conference Update. Abeles-Allison stated that those who attended the meeting felt it was highly controversial. Resolutions came before the Committee that the WCA Board is on, and some were passed and other not. The President title was changed to that of Chairman and from a year term to a 2 year term. The sessions were well attended. Many discussions took place for Pocernich and Sheriff Susienka on transportation, agriculture, and UW-Extension offices. 395 12. Supervisors’ Reports: a) Large-Scale Livestock Committee Report. Supervisor Kittleson reported for Supervisor Strand in his absence. More work is being done on the Operational Ordinance. This past week we had a presentation from Bob Wilson from Decorah, Iowa. He gave his background of having worked in a CAFO for many years. His PowerPoint was on the topic of manure. The Committee then head from Dr. Becky Larson, and manure digesters for manure management. Corporation Counsel, Linda Coleman, discussed legal issues with the Committee and the proposed Operations Ordinance that was presented to the Committee from the group, Farms not Factories. The Committee did pass a motion to have Coleman work with the Farms Not Factories Attorney, Glenn Stoddard more closely at preparing a workable Ordinance. There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk SSF/dmb