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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
May 30, 2017 – 6:00 p.m.
Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, Wisconsin
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ meeting was called to order by Chairman
Pocernich 6:03 pm. A roll call was taken by Scott Fibert, County Clerk, as follows:
Rondeau-present; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-present; Fickbohm-present; Maki-present;
Oswald-present; Silbert-present; Pocernich-present; Strand-present; Williams-absent;
Coughtry-present; Miller-present; Crandall-present. Total 13: 11 present, 2 absent. A
quorum was present to conduct business.
The following were also present for this evening’s meeting: Mark Abeles-Allison,
County Administrator; Dawn M. Bellile, Deputy County Clerk; Elizabeth Skulan, DHS
Director; Jan Victorson, Emerg. Mgmt. Coordinator; Denise Tarasewicz, Reg. of Deeds;
Craig Parks, Maintenance Supervisor; Jeff Lightner, Custodian; Ray Kangas.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. A Moment of Silence was
held in memory of Neil Paulson, former County Board Supervisor and Chair; and Linda
Brown, former County Board Supervisor, Chair and employee.
Chairman Pocernich noted to the Board that the Minutes from the April 18, 2017
County Board of Supervisors’ meeting were accidently left off the agenda so they cannot
be acted upon. They will be on the next agenda. As a reminder, they can be found in the
Drop Box for review.
1. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-35, Bayfield County Emergency
Proclamation due to Flooding. Jan Victorson gave the Board an update regarding a few
towns that were affected by the floods. The towns affected were Delta, Mason and
Lincoln. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, a disaster, namely heavy rains thunderstorms commencing on May 15,
2017, and continuing for several days have impacted jurisdictions within Bayfield County;
and
WHEREAS, because damage resulting from those storms have created road damage
resulting in road closures; and
WHEREAS, those storms were responsible for the total road closure of the Lot
Across Road in the Town of Delta and Anderson Road in the Town of Mason; and
WHEREAS, the County Board Chairperson signed an Emergency Proclamation on the
18th day of May, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, pursuant to State Statute §323.11,
proclaims a State of Emergency in effect for a duration of thirty (30) days.
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By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bussey/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-35, Bayfield County Emergency Proclamation due to Flooding with a change in
the last “Whereas” paragraph be changed to read: “Whereas, the County Board
Chairperson signed an Emergency Proclamation on the 18th day of May, 2017.” The
motion carried.
2. Public Comment. None.
3. Motion Regarding Minutes of April 18th, 2017, Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors’ Meeting. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Minutes. A motion
was made by Rondeau/Strand to adopt the minutes of May 31st, 2016, Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried.
4. Greeting and Introduction of David Berard, New Assistant Dean for the
Northern Zone, UW-Cooperative Extension. Abeles-Allison stated that tonight is a meet
and greet to introduce David Berard to the Board. Berard is the newly appointed
Assistant Dean of Extension for the northern part of the State and is the first appointee
under the UW-Extension NextGen Program. Berard comes to the area with 33+ years of
experience in education and with educational administration background. Abeles-Allison
read his biography to the Board and then turned the meeting over to Berard.
Berard thanked Abeles-Allison for the introduction and added a bit more to his
background. He stated he was very happy to have this position. He will be serving the
Northern zone for the UW-Cooperative Extension New Gen and invited people to call him
if they have any questions or concerns. Berard also thanked the Board for their continued
support for the UW-Extension system. The Board congratulated him and thanked him for
attending this evening’s meeting to meet him.
At this time, Chairman Pocernich asked for permission from the Board to move
Item #8 on the Agenda to discuss at this time. A motion was made by Miller/Rondeau
to move Item #8, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-37, Across the Pond
Veteran’s Park in Iron River next on the agenda. The motion carried.
5. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-37, Across the Pond Veteran’s Park
in Iron River. Ray Kangas, a representative from the American Legion VFW, gave a
powerpoint presentation entitled “Across the Pond Veteran’s Park.” Kangas stated that
the site for the park will be the northwest corner of the Iron River Flowage located at
Hwy. 2 and Orlowski Road in Iron River. A 10-acre parcel of land was sold to the American
Legion for this purpose by the Bayfield County. This item has been through the Forestry
and Executive Committees and is on the agenda this evening for approval. Abeles-Allison
read the Resolution, which reads as follows:
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WHEREAS, Bayfield County received a request to sell approximately 10 acres of
County Forest land to the Across the Pond Veterans Park (hereafter, Across the Pond) in
the Town of Hughes; and
WHEREAS, County Forest land, further described as located in the N½-NW¼-SE¼,
Section 12, Township 47 North, Range 9 West (see Exhibit A), in the Town of Hughes, has
been identified as the parcel of interest; and
WHEREAS, Across the Pond intends to construct a Veterans Park on the land in
question, which will be open for public use; and
WHEREAS, during their meeting on May 12, 2017, the Forestry and Parks
Committee approved Across the Pond’s project and acquisition proposal and recommended
the issue be sent to the County Board for consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Committee’s recommendation to sell the land to
Across the Pond was contingent upon: 1) Across the Pond receiving formal non-profit
status; and 2) Across the Pond initiating construction of the Veterans Park within two
years from the official transfer of said land; and
WHEREAS, if either of the contingencies outlined above -do not occur, the
property in question shall revert to the County; and
WHEREAS, the sale of County Forest land currently enrolled in County Forest Law
is inconsistent with the purposes set forth in ss. 28.11, Wisconsin Statutes (County Forest
Law); and
WHEREAS, any proposal to sell County Forest land will first require filing an
application to withdraw said parcel from County Forest Law; and
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Committee has recommended the sale of the
above parcel for the sole purpose of establishing a public use Veterans Park, as well as the
subsequent withdrawal of said land from County Forest Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, authorizes the Bayfield County
Forestry and Parks Administrator, on behalf of Bayfield County, to make an application to
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Section 28.11(11), Wisconsin
Statutes, to withdraw the real estate described above from the provisions of the County
Forest Law (Section 28.11, Wisconsin Statutes), and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the application for withdrawal from County
Forest Law is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors approves the sale of the above described property to Across
the Pond, but only after Across the Pond provides official documentation of receiving non-
profit status.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Across the Pond is required to begin
construction of the proposed Veterans Park within two years after the formal transfer of
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said property. Failure to comply will result in said property reverting to the County upon
the filing of an Affidavit by the County Administrator indicating the above contingencies
have not been met.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A copy of Exhibit “A” which is the map layout can be found in the County Clerk’s
office.
A motion was made by Strand/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-37, Transfer of County Forest Land to the Across the Pond Veteran’s Park and
withdrawal from County Forest Law for the sale price of $1.00. Discussion took place
as to who the sole entity would be for taking care of this park. It was explained that the
American Legion would maintain this and would consider other options as they come along.
It was also discussed on whether it should be made more clear of that kind or type of
construction the County would expect within the phases so as not to have any issues in the
future.
A motion was made by Bussey/Miller to amend the motion to revise the 3rd
“resolved” paragraph to read: Be it resolved that Across the Pond is hereby required
to begin construction of the memorial structing in the proposed Veteran’s Park within
2 years after the formal transfer of said property. Failure to comply will result in
said property reverting back to the County upon the filing of an Affidavit by the
County Administrator indicating the above contingencies have not been met.”
Discussion took place on the value of the property. The motion carried.
The Board voted on the original motion and the motion carried.
6. Discussion and possible Action Regarding Space and Security Study.
Abeles-Allison gave a brief background as to how and why the Space and Security was
performed. He then introduced Bruce and Henry of the BKV Group. They were present to
give their final Space and Security System recommendation. He stated that the
Executive Committee held a special meeting on Thursday, May 18th to review the plan of
study. Three options were presented:
Option 1: No office changes/internal office remodeling to address security issues
plus security measures across the County complex;
Option 2: Zoned Courts/Government Center. This plan created a new DA/Judge
configuration by moving the DA away from the Judge and placing the Clerk of Court
next to the Judge and family courtroom and relocated to the current DA location.
Option 3: Zoned Courts/Government Center. This plan placed the DA, Judge,
Clerk of Court and Child Support in the courtroom wing with a hallway door that
would limit public access to the two sections of the courthouse. Several other
offices were moved based on additional space needs.
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The Executive Committee expressed general support for Option 1 with security
enhancements. Documentation is available for review in the County Clerk’s office on the
other recommendations.
The Consultants went through Option 1 with the Board explaining in great detail
what steps would be taken for security issues. This option is the least evasive and would
solve many security issues with a few adjustments made. Discussion took place on where
some of the offices would go and the cost associated with the move of a few of the
offices. No action will be taken on this tonight but it will be part of the 2018 budget
process.
It was also the consensus of the Board to skip Options 2 and 3, devoting time only
to Option 1. Discussion on how the Board wanted to proceed from this point on. There is
a lot of money involved in a project like this. Discussion went on further that it seemed
rather extreme to spend this kind of money on moving offices around when it could be
spent in a more meaningful area. Perhaps we need to take a few steps back and address
exactly what our needs are.
A motion was made by Bussey/Silbert to send the Space and Security Study
back to the Executive Committee for their recommendations to be formulated during
the budget process. The Board thanked Bruce and Henry for their presentation and
services to Bayfield County. Abeles-Allison stated that this is their final presentation and
if anyone should have further concerns they should let him know so he can forward them
on to Bruce and Henry. The motion carried.
2018 Budget Planning Session
7. 2018 County Budget Survey Results and Discussion. Abeles-Allison
explained that Tim Kane, UW-Ext. Educator, will be taking over the meeting at this point
to go over the survey results with the Board. Kane stated that over the past four years,
Bayfield County has solicited a survey to the County’s citizens, asking them a variety of
questions regarding Bayfield County government and issues of importance, asking for their
feedback. Through the offices of Tourism, Bayfield County Economic Development, area
Chambers of Commerce the word got out and replies were sent in.
Kane went over the responses with the Board via a powerpoint presentation as
follows:
Bayfield County 2018 Budget Survey Highlights
People who responded were 219 residents and/or property owners and 12 County Board
Supervisors.
The questions and results are as follows:
1. In your view, what should Bayfield County government’s number one
budget priority be for 2018? Answers from Residents: Roads, environment,
business/jobs, public safety and health. Answers from Supervisors: Roads, health.
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2. Do you support the County’s current focus and prioritization on
maintaining its highways in the County? Answers from Residents: yes 87%, no 5%, no
opinion 8%. Answers from Supervisors: Yes 92%, no 0%, no opinion 8%.
3. Should the County financially support the expansion of cell coverage
throughout the County? Answers from Residents: yes 58%, no 24%, no opinion 8%.
Answers from Supervisors: yes 58%, no 42%, no opinion 0%.
4. Should the County financially support the Northern Lights Health Care
Center located in Washburn? Answers from Residents: yes 63%, no 23%, no opinion
14%. Answers from Supervisors: yes 92%, no 8%, no opinion 9%.
5. Do you have any suggestion(s) on how the County can implement
technology to benefit its citizens? If yes, please list your suggestion(s) below:
Answers from Residents: 92 responses: high speed internet, cell coverage. Answers from
Supervisors: 4 responses: use technology to reduce costs; record meetings and post on
website; increase online services; equip new tower with emergency services/law
enforcement communications updates.
6. Should the County broadcast live its County Board of Supervisors
Meetings to make its government decision-making process more accessible to its
citizens? Answers from Residents: yes 58%, no 18%, 24% no opinion. Answers from
Supervisors: yes 42%, no 33%, no opinion 25%.
7. If you have any specific suggestion(s) for the Bayfield County 2018
budget, please list below: Answers from Residents: 101 responses: trails/recreation,
roads, business/jobs, tourism, environment. Answers from Supervisors: 10 responses:
Nursing home, early childhood development funding, investing in people, more yurts and
recreation in County forests, housing for recovering addicts, protecting water resources,
increase County use of Solar PV, infrastructure improvements, jail safety improvements,
continue to provide UWEX programs.
Supervisor Rondeau left at 7:45 p.m.
8. Bayfield County Financial Picture, Major Expenditures, Financial
Overview and Levy Discussion and County Board Budget Priorities for 2018. Abeles-
Allison went over information via powerpoint presentation on items of concern for Bayfield
County. He discussed and explained the types of funds the County has, how they are used
and where departments fall within the funds. He went over budget components, the
County’s accounting system, tax levy and mill rate. An explanation regarding how the
planning for the 2018 budget and expenses each department uses and how the all of these
figures work together was given. Abeles-Allison then went over the budget planning
timeline to give the Board a “head’s up” of what is to come within the next few months.
Kane turned the meeting back over to Chairman Pocernich.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-32, Adding Douglas County to the
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Region. Elizabeth Skulan was present to
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explain the Resolution to the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the
Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Human Services has the primary responsibility for the well-being,
treatment and care of the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, alcohol and other drug
dependent citizens residing within its county and for ensuring that individuals in need
receive immediate services; and
WHEREAS, these services are provided under section 51.42 of the Wisconsin
State Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas Counties recognize that making services
more accessible improves treatment outcomes for consumers and is fiscally responsible;
and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin has been expanding the Comprehensive
Community Services Program and is only providing new funding to counties who will
regionalize service delivery; and
WHEREAS, Douglas County has requested to be added to the shared services
model of the Ashland, Bayfield County CCS Region to implement and provide CCS services.
WHEREAS, Ashland and Bayfield County residents will benefit in the future by
having greater choice in providers who serve CCS participants;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, recommends the Bayfield County Human
Services Department expand the Comprehensive Community Program region and revise the
existing Memorandum of Understanding to include Douglas County upon their certification
under DHS 36, (anticipated date January 1, 2018).
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Crandall/Coughtry to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2017-32, Adding Douglas County to the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
Region. Discussion as to what we are going to gain. It was reported that it 100% funded,
which would allow residents to access providers closer to their homes in different regions.
The motion carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-33, To Support Retention and
Expansion of Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) Dementia
Care Specialist (DCS) Program. Elizabeth Skulan explained the Resolution to the Board.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, in Wisconsin, it is estimated that 115,000 individuals age 65 and older
are living with some form of clinically diagnosable dementia; and
WHEREAS, that number is expected to grow to 240,000 by 2040; and
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WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are currently approximately 391 individuals
in Bayfield County living with some form of clinically diagnosable dementia, and the care
and treatment of persons with dementia is now being described as a public health
emergency; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has made a significant commitment to persons with
dementia through the critical work of the ADRC’’s Dementia Care Specialist Program and
through its work with the Dementia Network; and
WHEREAS, the DCS Program strives to improve the quality of life for all those
affected, including people living with memory loss and their caregivers, while helping
individuals remain in the community and in their own homes, where they want to live; and
WHEREAS, each day that an individual can remain in the community and not in
publicly funded institutional care facility, saves taxpayers an estimated $161 per day or
$58,926 annually, making the DCS program a wise and sound investment of public dollars;
and
WHEREAS, the ADRC of the North and the Bayfield County Local Branch Office
have experienced a steady growth in contacts by customers, caregivers and professionals
regarding individuals experiencing dementia; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services proposed 2017
– 2019 budget does not include funding for the DCS positions, thereby jeopardizing this
valuable service to the residents of Wisconsin;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Human Services
Board assembled this 25th day of May 2017, does hereby recommend that the Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors support ongoing funding for these critical services and
request that the state add the DCS funding as an allocation to all ADRCs in the next
proposed 2017 – 2019 biennial state budget and any state budget thereafter.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bussey/Crandall to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-33, To Support Retention and Expansion of Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability
Resource Centers (ADRCs) Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) Program modifying the Now
therefore clause, to read: “that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 30th day of May 2017.” Discussion that this is paid for by grant dollars through
the ADRC. The motion carried.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-30, Support WCA Efforts to
Establish Statewide 911 ESInet. Jan Victorson was present to explain this Resolution to
the Board. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as
follows:
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WHEREAS, the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) technology allowing for
modernization of 9-1-1 has been available for about 10 years; and
WHEREAS, efforts have been underway throughout the country to implement NG
9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s current 9-1-1 network is analog, and is supported by aged
equipment and technology; and
WHEREAS, the current 9-1-1 network retrieves location information thru slow
circuits and cannot accept texts or pictures; and
WHEREAS, no 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in Wisconsin has access
to a network that supports NG9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, a state-hosted or funded ESInet (Emergency Service Internet) would
provide local 9-1-1 PSAPs with the network needed to modernize their capabilities; and
WHEREAS, a statewide ESInet will cost taxpayers less than if each PSAP
attempted to develop their own local system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, supports allocation of funds to
development of a statewide ESInet to provide all PSAPs with the network needed to
implement necessary NG9-1-1 services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED to assign a state agency to oversee NG9-1-1 and
create a council of stakeholders to guide statewide efforts to mover to NG9-1-1 including
sustainable funding streams that enable local PSAPs to purchase and maintain NG9-1-1
capable equipment into the future.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Silbert/Bussey to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-30, To Support WCA Efforts to Establish Statewide 911 ESInet. The motion
carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-34, 2017 Courtroom Equipment
Budget Amendment. Abeles-Allison explained that the Resolution. The Board dispensed
with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, audio/video capabilities in the courtroom are a critical component for
the efficient operation of the court; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Bayfield County budget included $78,554 for AV
improvements in the courtroom; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the project totaling $42,513 was completed in 2016; and
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WHEREAS, the balance of the project was completed in early 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, does hereby authorize that the 2017
budget be amended to reflect expenses originally budgeted in 2016, but not expended
until 2017:
Circuit Court:
Increase Fund Balance Applied 100-00-49301 $36,041
Increase Transfer to CIP 100-00-59430-50820 $36,041
Increase Transfer From Other Funds 430-70-49201 $36,041
Increase Capital Improvements 430-02-57100-50820 $36,041
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Crandall/Coughtry to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-34,
2017 Courtroom Equipment Budget Amendment. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes;
Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes;
Rondeau-absent. Total 13: 10 yes, 0 no, 3 absent. The motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-36, Supporting an Increase in
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) For County Forest Lands. Abeles-Allison explained
the purpose of the Resolution. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution,
which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, collectively, counties manage nearly 2.4 million acres of land in
Wisconsin, making County Forests the largest public ownership in the state; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin currently provides $.30 per acre to towns with
county forest property enrolled in the County Forest Land (CFL) program; and
WHEREAS, this $.30 per acre goes to pay for town roads, elections and emergency
services; and
WHEREAS, the rate of $.30 per acre was set in 1989 and has not changed over the
past 28 years; and
WHEREAS, costs to provide road, election and emergency services have increased
dramatically since 1989; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Forest Payment in Lieu of Taxes is $2 per acre; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin pays, on average, at least $10 per acre for
lands not on the tax roll but owned by the State.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, does hereby petition the state
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legislature and the Governor to increase the fee paid to towns from $.30 to $2 per acre
for County Forest Land enrolled in the CFL program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be shared with all other counties
and towns with county forests in the state of Wisconsin.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bussey/Silbert to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-36, Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-36, Supporting an Increase in
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) For County Forest Lands. Discussion took place on
and clarification of forest land. The motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2017-06, Amending Title 2-
13-12, of the Bayfield County Code of Ordinances, Personnel Committee. Abeles-
Allison explained that at the last Board meeting, the Board referred the issue of
Persononel Committee authority to the Executive Committee. In consulting with
Corporation Counsel, the Committee recommended some updates and a provision noting
that if any member of the Personnel Committee wanted an item to go onto the full Board it
would – no vote required, although a recommendation from the Board would be forwarded.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Ordinance, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.03(2) provides that, except as elsewhere specifically
provided in the statutes, the board of any county is vested with all powers of a local, legislative and
administrative character; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.02(2) permits the enactment of ordinances by the
County Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, Section 2-2-3, Code of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, authorizes
County Board committees or individual supervisors to introduce proposed ordinances; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County of Bayfield that the Code
of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, be further modified and amended in the manner
hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 30th day of May, 2017, does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Amending Sec. 2-3-12 Personnel Committee.
(a) Composition. The Personnel Committee shall be comprised as prescribed by
Section 2-3-1(b).
(b) Duties. The Personnel Committee shall hear all personnel matters not otherwise
proscribed to the County Administrator in Wis. Stat. § 59.18, which shall include the
following:
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(1) Conduct labor negotiations on behalf of the County.
(2) Formulate and mediate personnel policy in conjunction with the unions representing
County employees.
(3) Authorize new positions subject to the approval of the County Board as part of the
budgetary process.
(4) Be responsible for the hiring and firing of County employees who do not serve under
a department or office supervised by the County Board committee.
(5) Hear grievances which have not been settled by a department head or standing committee.
(5) Hear all requests for adjustments in salary or working conditions or for
reclassifications, provided that if the department or office of the employee making
such request is supervised by a standing committee, the request must first be
approved by the standing committee.
(6) Develop, review annually and update as necessary a personnel policy encompassing
the needs of the County and any union contracts to which the County is a party.
The document shall be distributed to each department head and each County Board
member.
(c) Any action taken by the committee shall be subject to the review and approval of the
County Board of Supervisors if requested by any one member of the Personal
Committee Member at the Personal Committee meeting when the action took place.
Section 2. Except as specifically modified and amended by this ordinance, the Bayfield
County Code of Ordinance shall remain in force and effect exactly as originally adopted and
previously amended. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in contravention of
the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 3. SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any section,
clause, provision, or portion of this ordinance unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this
ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force
from and after its passage.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Miller/Maki to adopt Bayfield County Amendatory
Ordinance No. 2017-06, Amending Title 2-13-12, of the Bayfield County Code of
Ordinances, Personnel Committee with the following changes: (b) changing the word
proscribed to “delegated; In (c) change Personal to Personnel. Discussion took place
on items that are controversial should be borught to the full Board. If it is something
that will have a significant impact on the County or its employees it should be weighed in
by all Supervisors. Discussion on Committees that do not have to come to the full Board as
they have statutory authority. Perhaps the rule of bringing items to the full Board should
apply to other committees as well. We need to have a mechanism to work. 3 County Board
supervisors should not have the authority to impact on what is done for the entire County
which would be the case on Committee level. This Ordinance would help address that issue.
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It was mentioned that in some cases, issues rise to a higher degree of importance which
should be directed to the full Board. In the particular case of the actions in Highway, it
was felt that it should have been heard by the full Board. After a lengthy discussion on
the topic, a roll call vote was taken as follows: Suggested that supervisors use their
discretion at their metings to see if it should be. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
Bussey-yes; Fickbohm-no; Maki-no; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes; Pocernich-no; Strand-
yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-no; Miller-yes; Crandall-no; Rondeau-absent;
Goodwin-absent. Total 13: 5 yes, 5 no, 3 absent. The motion failed.
15. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding WCA Platform Resolutions.
Abeles-Allison reported that June 25th is the deadline for WCA platform issues. If any
of the Supervisors have any ideas over the next few days, please share them with him.
Discussion took place on whether a person could resubmit a topic they had previously.
Supervisor Silbert had placed 3 on last year that were approved. They would still be
appropriate for this year since they are topics of local control for zoning and protection
for water resources. Silbert felt it would be prudent to resubmit since they are still
important to us this year.
16. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
✓ June 20th; July 25th; August 29th;
✓ Reminder of the County’s summer picnic on June 14th ;
✓ Discussion on meeting in the Southern Part of Bayfield County
for a summer County Board Meeting in July or August.
b) NACO 2018 Budget Analysis was shared. There are impacts that
could impact Bayfield County and its residents which the County could
not make up. Please take a look at the proposal.
c) Discussion Regarding Business Park Road Design and Marketing
Efforts; The Executive Committee approved the design for the road
in the business park. Discussion that the road will cost in the
neighborhood of $600,000 which would include 3/4mile paved road,
drainage, culvert, etc. The Executive Committee did talk about
having the Highway Department construct the road which would save
dollars. This is still in the planning stages.
17. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Northern Lights Bond Interest
Payment. Abeles-Allison, Supervisor Silbert and Maki attended a meeting with the
Northern Lights Board. They received their financial forecast from their auditors. Thye
are still waiting for the 2016 audit. The County Board stated their concern about future
payments for bonding. Abeles-Allison stated that a letter was written on Friday, May 26th
stating they would be unable to make their interest payment on the outstanding bonds.
The 2017 budget was constructed around the interest payment from the Nursing Home, as
the interest payments are part of the monies that go into the Highway Budget for highway
repairs. The Northern Lights Board has expressed an interest in coming to the next
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Executive Committee meeting and also to the full Board meeting on June 20th. Abeles-
Allison stated he has asked Corporation Counsel to review the letter and to give ushis
recommendation regarding the issue at hand.
On the brighter side, Northern Lights was approved for the Veteran’s care which is
a huge benefit for our area. The facility also received a 5-star rating for the services
they provide. Their basic problem is not being able to bill medicare patients the same
amount as regular patients. They can’t recupe the dollars necessary to operate and take a
hit for that. We all agree, that the Northern Lights needs to be kept in Bayfield County,
but changes need to be made.
A motion was made by Maki/Crandall to pay the interest on the Northern
Lights Note from County funds which is due June 1st. Discussion on the whole situation
took place. It was mentioned as to whether or not a resolution should be drafted and sent
to Wisconsin Counties Association for some input on medicare patient reimbursement. A
roll call vote was taken as follows: Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes;
Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes;
Rondeau-absent; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes. Total 13: 10 yes, 0 no, 3 absent.
The motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert,
County Clerk
SSF/dmb