HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 10/27/2015396
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Budget Meeting
Of October 27, 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: Crandall-present; Rondeau-
present; Wendling-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki-absent; Kittleson-
present; Bennett-present; Pocernich-present; Strand-present; Williams-absent; Bichanich-
present; Miller-present. Total: 13; 11 present, 2 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; Kevin
Johnson, Veteran’s Service Officer; Terri Kramolis, Health Director; Brenda Spurlock,
Criminal Justice Coordinator; and Paul Susienka, Sheriff.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Moment of silence was observed in memory of Jeanette Abeles, mother of Mark
Abeles-Allison, County Administrator.
1. 2016 Bayfield County Budget Public Hearing. A motion was made by
Rondeau/Crandall to adjourn as a County Board and convene as a Committee of the
Whole to hold a public hearing on the 2016 Bayfield County Budget. A roll call vote
was taken as follows: Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-
absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent;
Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes. Total: 13; 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, motion
carried.
The Chair turned the meeting over to County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison
who informed the Board that the proposed 2016 budget was published and noticed
correctly in the Ashland Daily Press and on the County’s website.
Abeles-Allison reported that the proposed 2016 budget is $30,672,872.00. For
the first time in many years, valuations in Bayfield County have increased by 2% which
allows for a $67,000 additional tax levy authority should we so choose. We also have more
in bridge and library aid. Part of the budget continues with the County’s focus on the
highway, funding an average of 6 miles per year. Presently we are looking at hiring new
positions in the Highway, Sheriff’s and Human Services departments. Capital
improvements in the budget are in the amount of $1.2 million and are included in the
budget.
Chairman Pocernich stated to the public that this is open to anyone who would like
to comment on the proposed 2016 budget. There will also be a time for public comment
later for other items on the agenda. The Chair asked 3 times if anyone from the public
wished to comment on the proposed budget. There being no response, the floor was
closed, and the Chair entertained a motion to close the public hearing and to reopen as a
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County Board. A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to close the public hearing
and reconvene as County Board. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Wendling-yes;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes;
Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes.
Total: 13; 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
2. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt the 2016 Bayfield County
Budget. A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to adopt the 2016 Bayfield County
Budget as recommended by the Executive Committee in the amount of
$30,672,872.00. Discussion as to whether or not the positions were approved by the
Personnel Committee and it was noted that they had been. A roll call vote was taken as
follows: Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes;
Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes;
Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes. Total: 13; 11 yes, 2 absent, the motion carried.
The 2016 Budget is as follows:
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3. Discussion and Possible Action to Set the 2016 Tax Levy. A brief
explanation was given by Abeles-Allison on the levy. The proposed levy is $9,548,610 which
represents a $67,948 or .72% increase over 2015. The increase is the result of net new
construction increases, debt service increase, library increase and bridge aid. A motion
was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt the 2016 Tax Levy in the amount of
$9,548,610.00. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Jardine-yes; Maki-absent;
Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-
yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes. Total: 13;
11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
4. Motion Regarding Minutes of Sept. 29, 2015, Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors’ Meeting. A motion was made by Kittleson/Jardine to adopt the Minutes
of the Sept. 29, 2015, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion
carried.
5. Public Comment.
Paulette Embertson, 302 Fortier Road, Washburn, was here this evening to discuss
the proposed tower on woodland drive and give her final plea concerning the tower. After
there was a vote with the City Council on Oct. 12th whereby they issued a Conditional Use
Permit passed. The days following this she was surprised by how many people approached
her with comments that they couldn’t believe the City would build a tower in your
neighborhood. Nobody cares if there is a tower in our neighborhood, or if our property
value will decrease, or if it will affect our health. Embertson stated she is hoping that
there are people on this Board that will care about the neighbors of the tower. They are
not opposed to dealing with emergency services; it is the cell phone part of the tower they
are concerned about. There is a grave concern for their health because they live so near a
cell phone tower. Embertson said she has lived in her house for 39 years and is disturbed
about the integrity of her neighborhood. She thanked the Board for their time.
David Ferrar, 204 Fortier Road, Washburn, spoke on how the communications tower
will be basically 200’ from his backdoor. Ferrar was present to remind the Board that
their decision will have a great impact on their lives. He stated that even when no one is
here in the Chambers, your votes will have an impact on peoples’ lives regardless. Ferrar
has sent countless emails to County Board members and to City Council members about his
concerns. The City approved the Conditional Use Permit and he is hoping the Board will
look beyond. County personal have never even asked about the impact this site will have on
the residents who live there. Have they even considered an alternate site? It is time to
consider the residents and your constituents and how this will affect their health by this
huge tower. The Coordinator of this project needs to find a new area; one that will not
endanger the lives of those citizens surrounding the proposed tower. He hoped the Board
has the ability to put themselves in their place and that you would not allow this monstrous
tower to be placed without considering other alternatives. This is morally wrong and a
misuse of your power to misshape the use of this county.
Chairman Pocernich informed David that his 3 minutes was up. Bussey/Kittleson
made a motion to allow more time for Ferrar to speak. The motion carried
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unanimously. Ferrar continued by stating he believed that the Bayfield County Code of
Ethics has been violated stating that he had done 2 tours in Korea and Vietnam and he
believed his civil rights were being violated. He pleaded with the Board to not rubber
stamp this ill-conceived plan. Do you diligent best to protect all of the citizens concerned
in Bayfield County.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-57, 2015 Veteran’s Day
Recognition. Kevin Johnson, Veteran’s Service Officer, came forward to introduce the
Resolution and spoke about how appropriate with the news today of troops taking direct
action on the ground in Afghanistan. This Resolution holds deeper meaning and it continues
to be recognized by Veterans of war. Johnson read the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the 11th of November, 2015 is celebrated as Veteran’s Day; and
WHEREAS, the freedom enjoyed by our nation’s citizens is maintained by the
vigilance of our men and women in uniform; and
WHEREAS, the strength of our current military force follows in the footsteps of
generations of Veterans before them; and
WHEREAS, the United States military instills a sense of honor, duty, leadership,
commitment and respect, evident in the millions of Veterans who have returned home to
their communities as productive citizens, strengthened by their military experiences; and
WHEREAS, through their effort we stand together as a great nation dedicated to
freedom.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, stands and salutes Veterans for
their contributions, and express gratitude for all those who serve today and those
Veterans that have served their country in all branches of the Armed Forces; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board Clerk shall provide a
copy of this resolution to all Bayfield County Veteran Service Organizations.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-57, 2015 Veteran’s Day Recognition. The motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-58, Cooperative Law Enforcement
Services Between the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department and the Red Cliff Tribe.
Paul Susienka, Sheriff, was present to explain that this in the County’s annual agreement
that we enter into with the Red Cliff Tribe for funding. We have had this agreement
going for decades. Susienka stated that the Red Cliff Police Department has been more
effective in the past couple of years than it has ever been. These dollars are very critical
to them. The County doesn’t have the option of keeping the money or sending it on. The
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funds are based upon mutual agreement or it isn’t awarded. The Board dispensed with the
reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is a federally
recognized Indian Tribe, organized under a Constitution adopted August 25, 1938, and
approved on November 9, 1938, pursuant to section 16 of the Indian reorganization Act;
and
WHEREAS, the Tribal and Bayfield County Law Enforcement Agencies have had a
history of cooperation in striving to meet the Red Cliff Community’s law enforcement
needs; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute 165.90 provides for the establishment of
cooperative law enforcement efforts between County and Tribal Law Enforcement
Agencies; and
WHEREAS, County and Tribal Law Enforcement Officials have worked together to
develop the FY 2016 County-Tribal Law Enforcement (CTLE) Plan and grant application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, does hereby encourage continued
cooperation between the County and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies and approve the FY
2015 County-Tribal Law Enforcement Plan and Grant Application.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Rondeau/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-58, Cooperative Law Enforcement Services Between the Bayfield County
Sheriff’s Department and the Red Cliff Tribe. The motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-59, Tax Charge Backs: Year of
2014, Town of Bell and Years of 2012, 2013, and 2014, Town of Russell. Abeles-
Allison explained that this is a Resolution that is done almost every year. Tax Certificates
of certain parcels of land are now owned by Bayfield County and the property was
inadvertently taxed. These taxes must be paid back to the respective towns, cities and
villages. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, has examined a report of
the Bayfield County Treasurer setting forth the certain Tax Certificates now owned by
Bayfield County. The legal description for said Tax Certificates is as follows:
Town of Bell: Tax ID #7818, 010-1065-10-000, Parcel in Gov’t. Lot 2 in V.
1119, P. 596, Section 31, T-51N-6W. Said Tax Deed was taken on December
17, 2013 by Bayfield County. The Face of the Certificate is $321.94; and
Town of Russell: Tax ID #29659, 046-1070-06-990, Parcel in Gov’t. Lot 1
in V. 1096, P. 734, Section 31, Township 52N-R3W. The property is owned
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by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and is tax exempt.
The Face of the Certificate is $4,163.30; and
WHEREAS, these Tax Certificates are illegal and void in that said Certificates
were issued on the tax exempt property, or property on which there was a double or
incorrect description and for other reasons as set forth in said Treasurer’s Report and
are not justly reassessable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, authorizes that the amounts of
said illegal and void Tax Certificates are charged back to the respective towns, cities, or
villages where in such lands are situated as follows: Town of Bell in the amount of $321.94
and the Town of Russell, $4,163.30.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bussey/Wendling to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-59, Tax Charge Backs: Year of 2014, Town of Bell and Years of 2012,
2013, and 2014, Town of Russell. Discussion took place as to how these errors happen
and it was explained it is due to the assessors on tax exempt properties. A roll call vote
was taken as follows: Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes;
Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes;
Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes. Total: 13; 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the
motion carried.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-52, Budget Amendment to Reflect
Award of Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area Garlic Mustard Project for
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department 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 Weed Management Area Garlic Mustard (WMA GM) grant (#WMA16-004) from
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the Bayfield County 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 assembled this 27th day of October, 2015 approves the following budget
amendment to reflect new Grant(s) actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43580-007 by $9,000.00
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EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56144-50290 by $6,421.70 ( Cont. Services)
Increase expense account 100-28-56144-50340 by $389.11 (Mileage)
Increase expense account 100-28-56144-50530 by $2,189.19 (Rent)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Jardine/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-52, Budget Amendment to Reflect Award of Northwoods Cooperative Weed
Management Area Garlic Mustard Project for Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation
Department Grant Program. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Kittleson-yes;
Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes;
Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent.
Total: 13; 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-53, Budget Amendment to Reflect
Award of United States Forest Service Weed Coop (15-PA-11091305-017) Project for
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department Northwoods Cooperative Weed
Management Area 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 Modification 001 (#15-PA-11091305-017) from the
USFS for the Bayfield County LWCD NCWMA Program; and
WHEREAS, the award of this grant modification was received after the FY2015
budget had been approved; and
WHEREAS, this amendment also includes donation monies fundraised for the
NCWMA in the amount of $55.50; 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 assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, approves the following budget
amendment to reflect new Grant(s) actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43580-008 by $5,055.50
EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50121 by $231.60 (USFS Weed Co-Op, Full Time)
Increase expense account 100-28-56110-50290 by $4,823.90 (USFS Weed Co-Op, Cont.
Services)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
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A motion was made by Bichanich/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-53, Budget Amendment to Reflect Award of United States Forest Service
Weed Coop (15-PA-11091305-017) Project for Bayfield County Land & Water
Conservation Department Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area Grant Program.
A roll call vote was taken as follows: Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes;
Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-
yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes;. Total: 13; 11 yes, 0
no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-54, Request to Amend the 2015
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation 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 through the BC AIS
Coordinator Grant ‘14 – ’15 (AEPP-417-14); and
WHEREAS, adjustment to our FY2015 budget is requested to reflect the actual
beginning balance versus what was projected earlier in the year. The Net Total of the
Revenue/Expense amendment is $28,670.41.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, approves the following budget
amendments to reflect the BC AIS Coordinator Grant actuals:
REVENUE:
Decrease revenue account 100-28-43592 by $28,670.41
EXPENSE:
Decrease expense account 100-28-56205-50290 by $28,670.41 (AIS – Contractual
Services)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bichanich/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-54, Request to Amend the 2015 Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation
Budget. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-
absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes. Total: 13; 11
yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-55, Request to Amend the 2015
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Budget for the FWS Restore Cooperative
Agreement 703. 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 due to increases in grant funding for the Wickstrom Bridge
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F14AC00090 Agreement, and a transfer of Bayfield County’s contingency funds for 2015
well abandonment projects; and
WHEREAS, amendment(s) to the accounts listed below are necessary to reflect
account actuals versus what was projected earlier in 2014.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this 27th day of October, 2015 approve the following budget
amendments to reflect the Grant(s), Cost-Share and Cooperative Agreements.
Increase revenue account 100-28-43274-113 by $120,000.00
Decrease expense account 100-00-51410-50000 by $1,500.00
Increase expense account 100-28-56149-50290 by $120,000.00
Increase expense account 100-28-56101-50250 by $1,500.00
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2015-55, Request to Amend the 2015 Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation
Budget for the FWS Restore Cooperative Agreement 703. A roll call vote was taken as
follows: Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes;
Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes;
Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes. Total: 13; 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2015-56, Request to Amend the 2015
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Budget for Actual Amounts for the
Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area Education Project. 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 through the NCWMA
WMA Education Project Agmt. #WMA-13-0001; and
WHEREAS, adjustment to our FY2015 budget is requested to reflect the actual
beginning balance versus what was projected earlier in 2014. The Net Total of the
Revenue/Expense amendment is $766.39, the amount of unspent FY2014 year
expenditures carried over to 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 27th day of October, 2015, approves the following budget
amendments to reflect Cooperative Agreement actuals:
REVENUE:
Increase revenue account 100-28-43580.006 by $766.39
EXPENSE:
Increase expense account 100-28-56143-50290 by $938.34 (WMA Educ Proj – Cont Serv)
Increase expense account 100-28-56143-50313 by $550.99 (WMA Educ Proj – Printing)
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Decrease expense account 100-28-56143-50340 by $122.94 (WMA Educ Proj – Oper.
Supp)
Decrease expense account 100-28-56143-50530 by $600.00 (WMA Educ Proj – Rent)
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Jardine/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2015-56, Request to Amend the 2015 Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Budget
for Actual Amounts for the Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area Education
Project. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Williams-absent; Bichanich-yes;
Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes;
Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes. Total: 13;
11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
14. A motion was made by Kittleson/Wendling to move into and out of
Executive Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e),deliberating or negotiating the purchasing
of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public
business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The
motion carried.
A motion was made by Miller/Crandall to move out of Executive Session. The
motion carried.
15. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding City of Washburn Tower Lease.
Supervisor informed her constituents that she will be voting no for this unless you can
change the site location. The residents are “ok” with emergency services on the tower in
this spot, but we should not have the cell phone tower. The lease is involving Verizon and
she is not for this.
A motion was made by Strand/Jardine to enter into the Lease Agreement with
the City of Washburn contingent upon the approval of the Verizon lease. Discussion
took place and Kittleson again reminded everyone that just because this issue doesn’t
involve your district doesn’t mean it is a good idea. If it was in your respective districts
she would support them. Kittleson felt that the County Board should support one another’s
districts, not just their own and asked them to please think about the decision they will be
making.
Supervisor Bussey stated that this is a difficult issue to grasp. The City did hire a
consultant and according to him, the only viable site is in the city. The radio magnetic
wave level is substantially less than the FCC maximum amount allows. He realizes there is
a lot of uncertainty and just wanted to explain his vote on this. A roll call vote was taken
as follows: Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes;
Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-no; Bennett-no; Pocernich-yes;
Strand-yes; Williams-absent. Total: 13; 9 yes, 2 no, 2 absent, the motion carried.
16. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Verizon Tower Lease. The
Verizon Tower Lease will come back to Board next month.
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17. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates: Nov. 10th Statutory Meeting;
Dec. 15th Joint Meeting with Red Cliff Tribe which will start at 5:00
p.m.; Regular Meeting on January 26th .
b) DNR Milt Reinke Award to Bayfield County Forestry Department.
Jason Bodine, Forest Administrator, wrote up a short statement as
to how county forests are recognized:
Every year, the DNR recognizes a county forest that generates the
greatest amount of production per acre, a/k/a the Milt Reinke
Award. Most of the time, the award goes to a smaller county forest,
where spreading the volume from a few timber sales covers a little
more ground. This year, the award went to Bayfield County. We are
the largest county forest ever to win this award.
It’s a fitting testament to all of the hard work and dedication that
the entire staff has put into this program. Without their efforts and
professionalism, none of this happens.
Fibert displayed the award to the Board, which will be kept in the
Bayfield County Forestry Department until next year.
c) CDBG 10-County Regional Housing Program Award. Bayfield County
is part of a 10-County Regional Housing Program which was awarded
roughly 2 million dollars to help people improve their existing
infrastructure in their homes. These loans are income based and the
money is free for as long as you live in your home or if you should sell
the home. Fibert advised the Board to have people whom they think
might be interested to call him at his office.
d) Update on Wage Study. Abeles-Allison informed the Board that he
is working with all the departments on their respective employee job
descriptions. He will be sharing this information with the Personnel
Committee members and forwarding on to our consultants this week.
Superior Days. Abeles-Allison reported on the meeting dates and
the modifications that will be taking place. He believes this is a
worthy event to attend. He advised the Board members to let him
know if they are interested in attending. Bennett and Kittleson
normally go, but it seems as though Douglas County needs more
lobbying. Kittleson stated that if you find that it would be
worthwhile for Bayfield County to attend she will. Douglas County will
be asking Bayfield County for money but the Board members felt that
Bayfield County needs to take initiative to work on their own.
Infrastructure is very important and Bayfield County also needs
money. Discussion on the 4 legislative topics that will be focused
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upon. Douglas County has a full-time lobbyist that lobbies for them.
Before we have united with other counties, however, now they are
advising that we all go our own way and advocate on our own behalf.
Supervisor Strand is willing to give this new model a try.
18. Supervisors’ Reports:
a) Large-Scale Livestock Committee Report. Supervisor Strand
reported that the Committee is hoping to have the initial draft done
in December to be brought to the full Board in January. The
Operational Ordinance was adopted and the Committee approved and
directed Corporation Counsel to draft a permit for the Operational
Ordinance. The Committee has given the tentative approval for the
Microbiology, Air Quality, and Surface Water Findings of Facts,
Gaps, and Solutions. The next meeting will be held on November 12th ,
mostly for ground water and well water testing. We still have lots of
work to do.
b) Supervisor Miller stated that, we as a Board, were going to look at
tweaking the Tourism Department in 12 months from that discussion.
It has been 2 years and he would like this topic placed on the next
County Board agenda for discussion.
a) Supervisor Kittleson stated that at one time we were considering
moving the Emergency Management Department into the Sheriff’s
Department. It has been awhile on this as well, and she would like
this topic addressed. This will go to the Sheriff’s Committee.
d) Supervisors asked about when they could expect to have their media
up and running again. They can’t get their emails, documents, etc. If
we need to hire someone to help out, then let’s do it.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert,
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/dmb