HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 3/29/2016178
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Budget Meeting
Of March 29, 2016 – 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: Rondeau-present; Wendling-
present; Bussey-absent; Jardine-present; Maki-present; Kittleson-present; Bennett-
absent; Pocernich-present; Strand-present; Williams-absent; Bichanich-present; Miller-
present. Crandall-present. Total: 13; 10 present, 3 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; Jason Bodine, Forest
Administrator; Tim Kane, UW-Ext. Educator; Brenda Spurlock – Criminal Justice
Coordinator.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
1. Motion Regarding Minutes of January 29, 2016 Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors’ Meetings. The Board dispensed with the reading of both meetings. A
motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt the minutes of the January 29, 2016
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried.
2. Public Comment:
Bill Hecimovich, Dairy Farmer in Benoit. Hecimovich first thanked the Board for the
opportunity to speak at their meeting. He was concerned about water quality whether it
be ground, stream, or lake water. The pesticides that farm use, marinas use, and common
people all have a way of coming back to the lake. This has a toxic effect on our health in
the long term. He reminded everyone of how DuPont was clean once and now those grounds
are being monitored. These are concerns he has as well as other area. He thanked the
Board for the good job they are doing to keep our air, water and soil clean.
3. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2016-18, Honoring Marco T. Bichanich
upon his Retirement from the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. County Clerk
Fibert read the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Marco T. Bichanich has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor
and dedication as a member of the County Board for 15 years, and
WHEREAS, Marco has served on many County Committees including: Executive,
Highway, Land Conservation, UW-Extension, Fair, Forestry, Ethics, Bibon Swamp, Tri-
County Corridor, Pri-Ru-Ta and the Ag Station Ad Hoc Committee.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of March, 2016, honors Marco T. Bichanich for his 15
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, Chairman
Supervisor Kittleson also mentioned that Bichanich was on the Sheriff’s and
Personnel Committees. Bichanich was also on the Fair Committee since he was first on the
Board. At this time, he was presented with a framed vintage Bayfield County Fair Poster.
Pocernich presented him with a plaque for his 15 years of service on the Board of
Supervisors. Abeles-Allison played a slide show with miscellaneous pictures of Bichanich
through the years.
A motion was made by Miller/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2016-18, Honoring Marco T. Bichanich upon his Retirement from the Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors. The motion carried.
4. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2016-19, Green Tier Legacy Community’s
Initiative. Abeles-Allison explained that this topic was presented to the Executive
Committee by the Wisconsin Counties Association. This is a no cost project to sign up for.
More information is included in your packet. It is a networking project for energy savings.
A diagram was shown of the County’s trends over the past 10 years. A baseline
assessment and a one year annual report will be done detailing previous accomplishments
and future goals which the Administrator’s office will do along with assistance from Craig
Parks in Maintenance.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has a strong history of encouraging energy
conservation and sustainability efforts; and
WHEREAS, the County is currently participating in the 25x25 energy initiative to
reduce energy conservation by the year 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Green Tier Legacy Communities initiative further supports the
County’s commitment to sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the Green Tier Legacy Communities Initiative provides a multitude of
opportunities for face-to-face engagement, technical sessions and resource sharing with
other communities; and
WHEREAS, there is no financial commitment required for participation.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of March, 2016, does hereby express its intent to
become a Green Tier Legacy Community.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Strand/Wendling to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2016-19, Green Tier Legacy Community’s Initiative. Discussion took place asking
Abeles-Allison to go over the benefits of entering into something like this. The motion
carried.
5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2016-20, Authorizing County
Administrator and County Clerk to Sign Final Verizon Tower Agreement. Abeles-
Allison reported that this transaction was turned over to Corporation Counsel John
Carlson. Carlson thought the final version was complete, but since has found out through
Verizon’s agent, that the tower construction will not be happening this year, and may not
be until 2018. Carlson stated that he didn’t believe the County would want to enter into a
lease where the construction date is unknown. The other problem Carlson noted was the
construction costs - delays pile up and construction can only go up. It was Carlson’s
recommendation that we table this tonight. The prospect of the County building its own
tower and renting to Verizon and other viable interested parties could be a possibility.
Carlson noted that with the Verizon contract, the County was paying for the construction
of the tower with Verizon fronting the money to do so. This would be no different than if
the County just built it themselves and paid it off over 13 years. Carlson elaborated on a
few other details, and stated to the Board that he was not comfortable with the lease as
it now stands and his recommendation again, was to table the matter. Discussion took
place on the agreement as is and whether it would it be feasible for the Clerk and
Administrator to sign it. A lengthy discussion took place amongst the Supervisors who
gave their opinions, and one clear opinion was that we need a better emergency service
communication. The current tower structure was discussed stating that it cannot be
extended due to structural needs.
The Resolution as presented is giving the Administrator and Count Clerk to sign
contracts. Attorney Carlson again, stated that it would be better to table this item or do
no action at all.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Crandall to table this Resolution. A roll call
vote was taken as follows: Wendling-yes; Bussey-absent; Jardine-yes; Maki-yes;
Kittleson-yes; Bennett-absent; Pocernich-no; Strand-yes; Williams-absent;
Bichanich-no; Miller-no; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes. Total: 13: 7 yes, 3 no, 3
absent. The motion carried to table. Supervisor Kittleson asked that someone check
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to see if the City of Washburn still wants to be involved as the County’s tower is on the
City’s property.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2016-21, Approve Entering into a
Memorandum of Agreement with the DNR to Implement Good Neighbor Authority on
the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Jason Bodine, Forest Administrator, was
present to explain this Resolution to the Board. The National Forest Service has
contracted with the DNR for assistance in forest marking and sales services. This
program is known as the Good Neighbor Authority. The goal is to harvest 5 million board
feet in Bayfield County on National Forest lands. This task would be split between the
DNR, County and private entities. The Counties of Sawyer and Oconto have also been
contracted with for this purpose. The DNR will reimburse the County for actual costs and
expenses, equipment, mileage, etc. We are looking at approximately an extra 100 hours of
work per year, per forester. Any and all expenses, including over-time will be included.
The reimbursement rate in other counties have been in the range of $55 per hour.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the USDA Forest Service may enter into a cooperative agreement with
a State to carry out authorized forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services,
including timber sales, on federal land and non-federal land under the authority of the
Agricultural Act of 2014, Pub. L. 113-79, section 8206, (Good Neighbor Authority); and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may conduct forest
management activities on federal lands under a cooperative agreement, as permitted by
federal law and pursuant to s. 28.15(2), Wis. Stats.; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may contract with a
county for the purpose of conducting forest management activities on federal land under a
cooperative agreement pursuant to s. 28.15(3), Wis. Stats.; and
WHEREAS, the USDA Forest Service Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have entered into a cooperative Good
Neighbor Authority agreement; and
WHEREAS, completing authorized restoration services shall provide forest
products to our local economy and improve the health and resiliency of forestlands and
watersheds within Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has lands enrolled as County Forest pursuant to s.
28.11, Wis. Stats. and may be eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement with the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of conducting forest
management activities on federal land pursuant to s. 28.15(3), Wis. Stats.; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County would be eligible to be reimbursed for costs incurred
while conducting authorized forest management, forest restoration, and watershed
restoration activities; and
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WHEREAS, Bayfield County must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to define the criteria for
participating in a cooperative Good Neighbor Authority sub-agreement with the State; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Committee approved entering
into a MOA with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources during their meeting
held on March 14, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of March, 2016, approves entering into a MOA with
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of conducting forest
management activities on federal land; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors grant
the authority to sign the County Good Neighbor Authority Program Contract agreements
and any County Good Neighbor Authority Program Contract agreement work plan
addendums, pursuant to the MOA, to the County Administrator and the County Forestry
and Parks Administrator;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Forestry and Parks
Administrator is directed to forward the signed MOA to the Department of Natural
Resources;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Bayfield County recognizes and acknowledges
that if financial reimbursement is received in accordance with the MOA, the County will
comply with state and federal rules for the program and meet its obligations under the
agreement.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Miller/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2016-21, Approving Entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department
of Natural Resources to Implement Good Neighbor Authority on the Chequamegon-
Nicolet National Forest. It was stated that this was discussed in Committee and it was
their recommendation to pass. The motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2016-22, Amending the 2015-2019
Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to Include updated
Information from the Town of Bayview. Bodine stated to the Board that about a year
ago, his department inherited the Outdoor Recreation Plan and every so often there are
new revisions that need to be added or taken out. This time, the Town of Bayview is asking
that the revisions pertaining to the Houghton Falls Natural Area be included. In order to
do this it must be amended.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
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WHEREAS, during the April 21, 2015 County Board meeting (Resolution 2015-30),
Bayfield County approved the 2015-2019 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(hereafter, Plan); and
WHEREAS, this Plan outlines current and future outdoor recreation facility needs
of Bayfield County that can be adequately maintained and/or developed; and
WHEREAS, occasionally, this document will be updated to account for changes
and/or modifications in outdoor recreation planning and/or facility needs; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Bayview requested additional language to better describe
recommended improvements to the Houghton Falls Natural Area.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of March, 2016, hereby formally approves the following
amendment(s) to the Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Replace the entire previously approved Plan with the entire amended Plan, as
presented.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Miller/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2016-22, Amending the 2015-2019 Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan to Include updated Information from the Town of Bayview. The
motion carried.
8. Report of the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding
the Rezone of the Bayfield County Forestry 10-acre Parcel Located in Section 30,
T43N, R7W, Town of Cable, to be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Forestry-
One (F-1). 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 §59.69(5)(e), Wis. Stats; notice thereof having been
given as provided bylaw; and having been duly informed of the facts pertinent to the
following changes; hereby recommends the following action on said petition:
The Zoning of Bayfield County Forestry 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID#9119), (V. 128 P.
114), described as the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast
Quarter (NW¼-SE¼-NE¼), Section Thirty (30), Township Forty-Three (43) N, Range
Seven (7) W, Town of Cable, Bayfield County, WI be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2)
to Forestry-One (F-1).
The Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee recommendation is:
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Be Approved
Be Approved with Modifications
Be Disapproved
Dated: February 18, 2016
BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
William D. Bussey, Kenneth Jardine, Dennis Pocernich, Brett Rondeau, Fred Strand
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to receive and place on file the
Report of the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding the Rezone of
the Bayfield County Forestry 10-acre Parcel Located in Section 30, T43N, R7W,
Town of Cable, to be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Forestry-One (F-1). The
motion carried.
9. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2016-05 Regarding the
Rezone of the Bayfield County Forestry 10-acre Parcel Located in Section 30, T43N,
R7W, Town of Cable, to be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Forestry-One (F-1).
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 Bayfield County Forestry 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID#9119), (V. 128 P.
114), described as the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast
Quarter (NW¼-SE¼-NE¼), Section Thirty (30), Township Forty-Three (43) N, Range
Seven (7) W, Town of Cable, Bayfield County, WI be changed from Forestry-Two (F-2)
to Forestry-One (F-1).
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors decision is:
Be Approved
Be Approved with Modification
Be Disapproved
Refer back to Planning and Zoning with directions as stated/noted and return
for enactment or rejection
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to adopt Bayfield County Amendatory
Ordinance No. 2016-05 Regarding the Rezone of the Bayfield County Forestry 10-
acre Parcel Located in Section 30, T43N, R7W, Town of Cable, to be changed from
Forestry-Two (F-2) to Forestry-One (F-1). The motion carried.
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10. A motion was made 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: (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 and (g) Conferring with legal
counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning
strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to
become involved. Also included is to allow Bodine in Closed Session for Item (c) and the
agenda will be arranged to accommodate for this. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to move out of Executive Session. The
motion carried.
11. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Administrator’s Contract. A
motion was made Rondeau/Kittleson to make the necessary corrections to the
contract as were discussed adding the extra five (5) days of vacation. Abeles-Allison
mentioned that he would like to see the extra line about sole employment in the contract.
Discussion took place on the wage scale and it should be part of the deal. A roll call vote
took place as follows: Jardine-no; Maki-no; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-absent;
Pocernich-no; Strand-yes Williams-absent; Bichanich-no; Miller-no; Crandall-no;
Rondeau-yes; Wendling-no; Bussey-absent. Total: 13: 3 yes, 7 no, 3 absent. The
motion failed.
A motion was made by Jardine/Rondeau to approve the Administrator’s
contract with the necessary corrections with 20 days of vacation which will continue
pursuant to County policy. Discussion took place. A roll call vote took place as follows:
Maki-no; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-absent; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes Williams-absent;
Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Wendling-yes; Bussey-absent;
Jardine-yes. Total: 13: 9 yes, 1 no, 3 absent. The motion carried.
12. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment of Health
Director. A motion was made by Rondeau/Strand to appoint Sarah Wartman as the
Bayfield County Health Director. The motion carried.
13. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meetings:
April 19th at 9:00 am; swearing in of the County Board in the Courtroom
prior to the meeting; then up to County Board Room;
May 31st at 5:00 pm; a representative from WCA will give us a
presentation on the topics of sexual harassment and bullying;
June 28th 6:00 pm regular meeting time.
b) Election Update: Fibert reported that April 19th is primary election and
wished good luck to everyone and hoped to see them back.
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14. Supervisors’ Reports: None
15. Future Agenda Items: None
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/dmb