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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
June 20, 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 6:10 pm, due to technical difficulties. A roll call was taken by Scott Fibert,
County Clerk, as follows: Maki-present; Oswald-present; Silbert-present; Pocernich-
present; Strand-present; Williams-absent; Coughtry-present; Miller-absent; Crandall-
present; Rondeau-present; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-present; Fickbohm-present. Total 13:
10 present, 3 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; Donna Ganson, 4-H &
Nutrition Education Specialist; Ian Meeker, 4-H & Youth Development Coordinator; Tim
Kane, UW-Extension Community Development Educator; Cathy Moore; 4-H Members –
Avana Beeksma, Grace Kreinbring, Promise Kreinbring, Blake Kreinbring and their parents;
Sara Wartman, Health Director; Kelsey Latimer, WIC Program Director/Public Health
Nutritionist.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. A Moment of Silence was
held in memory of Ben Rondeau, son of County Board Supervisor, Brett Rondeau and in
memory of Jan Victorson’s father.
1. Motion Regarding Minutes of April 18 and May 20, 2017 Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ Meetings. The Board dispensed with the reading of the minutes.
To see a copy of the minutes, please visit the County’s webpage at
www.bayfieldcounty.org/meetings or contact the County Clerk’s office. A motion was
made by Maki/Crandall to adopt the Minutes of the April 18, 2017 Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Bussey/Silbert to adopt the Minutes of the May 20,
2017 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. The motion carried.
2. Public Comment. Chairman Pocernich reminded the audience that public
comment is for a period of 15 minutes, allowing an individual to speak for no more than 3
minutes at a time. This may also be extended longer at the Board’s discretion.
Sara Wartman, Bayfield County’s Health Director, introduced Kelsey Latimer to the
Board. Kelsey is the new WIC Program Director/Public Health Nutritionist for the Bay Area
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, which is a tri-county WIC program. The Board
welcomed Kelsey to Bayfield County.
4 young people attended this evening’s meeting who are part of the Whittlesey
Creek 4-H Program; they are Avana Beeksma, and Grace, Promise, and Blake Kreinbring.
They each shared a story with the Board on what they have learned and their
accomplishments through the program. Their particular interests were with horses and
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some of the Board members asked them questions concerning this interest. The Board
thanked the kids for attending and sharing their experiences with them.
3. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-38, Honoring Catherine Moore upon
her Retirement from the Bayfield County Health Department. Chairman Pocernich
read the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Catherine Moore has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and
dedication in the Health Department for over 26 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 20th day of June, 2017, honors Catherine Moore for her 26
years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts,
wishing her well in the years ahead.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Strand/Oswald to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-38, Honoring Catherine Moore upon her Retirement from the Bayfield County
Health Department. The motion carried. Chairman Pocernich presented Moore with a
plaque in her honor.
4. Introduction of UW-Extension Dean, Karl Martin; and 4-H Presentation.
Abeles-Allison and Tim Kane introduced Karl Martin to the Board stating that
Martin served as the Cooperative Extension program director for the Community, Natural
Resource and Economic Development (CNRED) branch of Cooperative Extension, whose
UW-Madison-based specialists have tenure homes in departments including Agricultural
and Applied Economics, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, Life Sciences Communication,
Community and Environmental Sociology and Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to assuming
the program director position in Cooperative Extension, Martin served as the chief of the
Wildlife and Forestry Research Section in the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources.
Martin thanked the Board for allowing him to speak to them this evening. Martin
spoke on the goals of the reorganization plan that will be taking place over the next few
months. He noted that there will be an office in every County, however, sharing across
counties will be taking place and encouraged. County funding was discussed as well as
themes for services. Martin also announced that Mary Pardee has been hired as the new
4-County Extension Director and she will be starting July 1st. At this time, questions were
asked of Martin which were answered. The Board thanked Martin for attending this
evening’s meeting.
Supervisor Rondeau left at 6:50 p.m.
5. Presentation of UW-Extension Highlights 2016 Annual Report. Tim Kane,
UW-Extension Educator, presented the annual report of the UW-Extension office via a
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powerpoint presentation. The report covered all areas of the Extension Office, individual
duties and accomplishments. Questions were asked of Kane and answered. The Board
thanked Kane for this year’s report.
6. Report and Presentation of Bayfield County Water Table Map and Water
Well Database. Abeles-Allison reported that Madeline Gotkowitz was going to be present
this evening to discuss the water table and well water database with us this evening,
however, she had a family emergency and has asked that the Board allow her to attend
next month’s meeting, which the Board was in agreement with.
7. Board of Adjustment Appointments for Terms Expiring on June 30,
2017. Chairman Pocernich explained that there are positions expiring on June 30th on the
Board of Adjustment. Information was provided to him and Abeles-Allison by Rob
Schierman, Zoning Director, regarding individuals who have put their applications in for
these vacant positions. Chairman Pocernich stated to the Board that after reviewing the
candidates, he would like to appoint the following: Randy Mattis and Richard Compton each
for a 3-year term ending June 30th, 2020. As alternate positions, he would like to appoint
Michael Dresen and Mark Hoefling who will be replacing Philip Lupa and LeRoy Wiesner,
also for a 3-year term ending June 30th, 2020. Discussion took place on the rationale for
replacing Lupa and Wiesner. It was stated that it wasn’t anything negative on either
candidate but rather a way to involve new people when terms are up. The County is asking
for public participation and we are receiving applications. A motion was made by
Crandall/Fickbohm to approve the appointment of Randy Mattis, Richard Compton,
each for a 3-year term starting July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2020; and as
alternate positions Michael Dresen and Mark Hoefling for a 3-year term each ending
June 30, 2020. The motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-21, 2017 Budget Amendment
Regarding Lakes Protection Grant Hydrogeological Atlas Project. Abeles-Allison
reported that 2 major grants were received for the lakes protection and with these
grants Land Records will be able to complete Bayfield County in its entirety. Bad River has
also made a generous contribution in addition to the grants to help with the project. The
Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County budgeted $70,000 in expenses in the Capital
Improvements Fund in 2017 for the Hydrogeologic Atlas Project; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 Capital Improvement fund budget included $42,000 in
estimated revenue for a Coastal Management Grant that would fund a portion of the
hydrogeologic atlas project, leaving $28,000 in Fund Balance appropriated for the project;
and
WHEREAS, revenues and expenditures related to the hydrogeologic atlas project
should all be documented in the same fund for recordkeeping and auditing purposes; and
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WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department has been awarded a
Lakes Protection Grant in the amount of $50,000 for activities related to the
hydrogeologic atlas project; and
WHEREAS, The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is contributing
$500 toward the hydrogeologic atlas project; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department has been awarded a
Coastal Management Grant in the amount of $30,000 for activities related to the
hydrogeologic atlas project; and
WHEREAS, the grants were awarded after the 2017 budget was adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this 28th day of March, 2017 approves this budget amendment
related to the hydrogeologic atlas project, moving all revenues and expenditures to the
Land Records Department General Fund Budget, to include the Lakes Protection Grant,
Coastal Management Grant and the Bad River donation:
Decrease CIP Revenues:
430-70-49201 Transfer from Other Funds -$28,000
430-00-48900 Other Revenues (Coastal Grant) -$42,000
Decrease CIP Expense:
430-20-57100-50290 Hydrogeologic Atlas Project -$70,000
Increase General Fund Revenues:
100-13-43580-009 Lakes Protection Grant +$50,000
100-13-48500 Donations +$500
100-13-47180 Coastal Management Grant +$30,000
Decrease General Fund Expense:
100-00-59430-50820 Transfer to CIP -$28,000
Increase General Fund Expenses:
100-13-56221-50290 Lakes Grant Contract Services +$50,500
100-13-56310-50290 Coastal Grant Contract Services +$58,000
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Silbert/Fickbohm to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2017-21, 2017 Budget Amendment Regarding Lakes Protection Grant
Hydrogeological Atlas Project, recognizing that the waters of Bayfield County are
extremely important to everyone. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Oswald-yes;
Silbert-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes; Miller-
absent; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-absent; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes; Fickbohm-yes;
Maki-yes. Total: 13, 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. The motion carried.
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9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-41, To Accept Alcohol and Drug
Awareness Donation. Sarah Wartman, Health Director, spoke on this Resolution. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received a donation from
Marshfield Clinic in the amount of $1,000 to assist in expenses incurred chairing alcohol
and drug awareness meetings and work in assisting local communities in obtaining drop off
sites for drug collection. No date was given as to when donation needs to be expended; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any
revenue or expenditures for said donation; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and
expend said donation in 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this the 20th day of June, 2017 hereby authorizes the use of
Revenue Account Number 100-20-48508 and Expense Account Number 100-20-54127 for
the Alcohol and Drug Awareness donation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
hereby amends the 2017 budget by $1,000 for revenue/expenses.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Bussey/Strand to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-41, To Accept Alcohol and Drug Awareness Donation. A roll call vote was taken as
follows: Silbert-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes;
Miller-absent; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-absent; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes;
Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes; Oswald-yes. Total: 13, 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. The
motion carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-40, To Accept PHEB Ebola Grant.
Wartman explained this Resolution to the Board as well, which they also dispensed with
reading, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received a donation from
Marshfield Clinic in the amount of $1,000 to assist in expenses incurred chairing alcohol
and drug awareness meetings and work in assisting local communities in obtaining drop off
sites for drug collection. No date was given as to when donation needs to be expended; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any
revenue or expenditures for said donation; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and
expend said donation in 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this the 20th day of June, 2017 hereby authorizes the use of
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Revenue Account Number 100-20-48508 and Expense Account Number 100-20-54127 for
the Alcohol and Drug Awareness donation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
hereby amends the 2017 budget by $1,000 for revenue/expenses.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
A motion was made by Strand/Coughtry to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2017-40, To Accept PHEB Ebola Grant. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes; Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes; Miller-absent; Crandall-
yes; Rondeau-absent; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes;
Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes. Total: 13, 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. The motion carried.
11. Discussion and Possible Action on WCA Platform Resolutions; Bayfield
County Resolution No. 2017-42, Request to Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates.
Abeles-Allison explained that Supervisors Silbert and Oswald had worked on this
Resolution taking much of it from information provided by the Wisconsin Counties
Association. It was mentioned at the last meeting that nursing homes are suffering
because of a lack of allowable costs from Medicaid payments. In relation to that, the
following Resolution was draft. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution,
which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Wisconsin has only one Nursing Home in the County;
and
WHEREAS, Northern Lights Health Care is a non-profit, five-star facility providing
skilled nursing care to Bayfield County and surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin is the highest Medicaid shortfall state in the nation with an
average shortfall of $56.01 per person per day; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid allowable reimbursements in Wisconsin cover 75% of costs
for Medicaid patients, this is also the lowest in the United States; and
WHEREAS, since 2012 Medicaid allowable costs have increased 13% while Medicaid
rates have only increased 3.4%; and
WHEREAS, 371 out of 371 nursing facilities in Wisconsin received a payment in
2015-2016 that failed to meet the cost of care provided to Medicaid residents; and
WHEREAS, Counties in NW Wisconsin have populations above both the state and
national average age levels; and
WHEREAS, the population of those over 65 in Bayfield County will grow 46%
between 2015 and 2025; and
WHEREAS, the population of those over 85 in Bayfield County will grow 35%
between 2015 and 2025; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 20th day of June, 2017, does hereby request that the State of
Wisconsin increase Medicaid payments to non-profit nursing homes to ensure critical
coverage can be provided to county residents.
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.
2017-42, Request to Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates with a change in the
wording in the last paragraph of “Medicaid payments to Medicaid reimbursements.”
The motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-39, Budget Amendment for
Wisconsin Public Service Commission, Office of Energy Innovation Grant. The Board
dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, in 2008 Bayfield County declared itself a partner with the State of
Wisconsin by committing to the 25x25 goals of energy independence; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County continues to implement energy efficiencies in all
aspects of county operations; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board authorized application for the grant earlier
this year; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County applied for and was awarded a “State Energy Program-
Planning for and Implementing Clean Energy Investments in Wisconsin Communities Grant”,
through the Wisconsin Public Services Commission in the amount of $25,000; and
WHEREAS, the grant will be used to make energy efficiency improvements in the
Courthouse and Jail facilities; and
WHEREAS, funding through this grant was not known until after the 2017 budget
had been established; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 20th day of June, 2017, hereby accepts grant funding through
the State Energy Program-Planning for and Implementing Clean Energy Investments in
Wisconsin Communities Grant and authorizes the 2017 budget be amended as follows:
Increase Revenue 430-14-43510-118 by $25,000.
Increase Expense 430-14-57100-50820-118 Capital Projects by $25,000
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chairman
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A motion was made by Bussey/Silbert to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2017-39, Budget Amendment for Wisconsin Public Service Commission, Office of
Energy Innovation Grant. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Strand-yes;
Williams-absent; Coughtry-yes; Miller-absent; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-absent;
Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes;
Pocernich-yes. Total: 13, 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. The motion carried.
13. Move into Executive/Closed Session - A motion was made by
Maki/Crandall to move in and out of Executive/Closed 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; 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. The motion carried.
There being no further business for Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made
by Crandall/Fickbohm to adjourn Executive/Closed Session. The motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2017-43, Regarding the Issuance of
General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2017-A (Northern Lights Service, Inc.
Project). Abeles-Allison handed out a Pre-Sale Report prepared by Ehlers for the Board
to review. What is being proposed is for Bayfield County to make the 2017 payments 3-
months early. We are proposing complete financing in the amount of $4,085,00, putting
this full amount on the levy. If we pay off a portion it would not be eligible for the levy.
The actual bond sale and public hearing will then be set for July 25th, our next Board
meeting night. The only action tonight is to pass this Resolution to bond refunding
started.
The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of Bayfield County, Wisconsin (the
“County”), as follows:
Section 1. Bond Purpose and Authorization.
1.01 Under and pursuant to the provisions of Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 67 and
Section 67.04(3), the County is authorized to issue and sell its general obligation bonds to
refund municipal obligations issued for a public purpose.
1.02 The County owns a public home for the care of the indigent and the aged,
operated as a community nursing home, which is known as the Northern Lights Health Care
Center (the “Facility”), and which is located at 706 Bratley Drive in Washburn, Wisconsin
(the “Real Property”).
1.03 The County has previously issued its $5,910,000 General Obligation Bonds,
Series 2007 (Northern Lights Services, Inc. Project), dated December 5, 2007 (the “2007
Bonds”). The 2007 Bonds were authorized and issued pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes,
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Chapter 67 and Section 67.04, to (i) refund on a current refunding basis the outstanding
principal balance of the $1,015,000 Nursing Home Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2004
(the “2004 Bonds”) of the County issued for the public purpose of improving the Facility,
and (ii) finance an addition to and improvements to the Facility, including the construction
and equipping of an approximately 20,000 square foot addition to the Facility for a 16-unit
memory care community based residential facility, for a therapy suite providing physical
therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services, and for other uses
related and ancillary and the remodeling and renovation of the Facility. The portion of the
2007 Bonds allocated to the refunding of the 2004 Bonds have been paid in full and are no
longer outstanding.
1.04 The Board of Supervisors hereby determines that it is necessary and
desirable that the County issue its General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2017A
(Northern Lights Services, Inc. Project), in the approximate amount of $4,085,000 (the
“Bonds”), to refund, on a current refunding basis the 2017 through 2027 maturities of the
2007 Bonds, in the total principal amount of $4,280,000 (the “Refunded Bonds”).
1.05 The Facility, including the 2007 addition and related improvements thereto
and the Real Property is presently leased to Northern Lights Services, Inc., a Wisconsin
non-stock, nonprofit corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated
Lease dated December 5, 2007, between the County and the Company. The Company is
exempt from federal income tax pursuant to the provisions of Sections 501(a) and
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). (This lease, as a
part of this financing, shall be amended.)
1.06 As required by Section 147(f) of the Code, the County hereby calls for a
public hearing to be held by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 6:00
p.m. regarding issuance of the Bonds in accordance with a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the County at least 14 days prior to the public
hearing.
1.07 The County has retained Ehlers & Associates (“Ehlers”) as its independent
municipal advisor. The Board of Supervisors has received and reviewed a Pre-Sale Report
prepared by Ehlers, which is on file with the County Clerk, for the proposed issuance of
the Bonds (the “Pre-Sale Report”). The Pre-Sale Report is hereby approved.
Section 2. Sale of the Bonds. The County’s administrative staff is hereby
authorized to work with Ehlers to solicit proposals for the sale of the Bonds in substantial
compliance with the Pre-Sale Report and shall present the proposals to the Board of
Supervisors for review and consideration of approval of the bond resolution at the Board
of Supervisors’ July 25, 2017 meeting.
Section 3. Bond Documents. The form, specification and provisions for the
issuance and repayment of the Bonds and the redemption of the Refunded Bonds shall be
in a subsequent resolution of the Board of Supervisors and in an amendment to the
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement.
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Adopted June 20, 2017.
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.
2017-43, Regarding the Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series
2017-A (Northern Lights Service, Inc. Project), with the understanding that Abeles-
Allison will consult with Ehlers to see which refunding proposal is more advantageous
to Bayfield County. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Williams-absent; Coughtry-
yes; Miller-absent; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-absent; Goodwin-absent; Bussey-yes;
Fickbohm-yes; Maki-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes; Pocernich-yes; Strand-yes.
Total: 13, 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. The motion carried.
15. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
✓ July 25th; August 29th; Sept. 19th changed due to WCA Convention on
Sept. 25th ;
b) Employee Picnic – Child Support office did an excellent job in putting
it together.
c) 2018 Budget Process: Ableles-Allison stated it is in the first stages
of being prepared.
d) Space & Security Study Update is in the first steps.
16. Supervisors’ Reports:
a) Lake Superior Vista Bike Tour is this weekend as well as Mason Days.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield county Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert,
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/dmb