HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 6/26/20181
Minutes of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
June 26th, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.
Bayfield County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:02 pm by Bayfield County
Chairman, Dennis Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk, Scott Fibert, follows: George
Newago-absent; Thomas J. Gordon-present; Larry Fickbohm-present; Harold A. Maki-absent;
Jeremy Oswald-present; Jeffrey Silbert-present; Dennis M. Pocernich-present; Fred Strand-
present; Thomas Snilsberg-present; Marty Milanowski-present; David A. Zepczyk-present; James
A. Crandall-present; Brett T. Rondeau-present. Total: 11 present, 2 absent. A quorum was present
to conduct business.
The following were also present for today’s meeting: County Clerk-Scott Fibert; County
Administrator, Mark Abeles-Allison; Clerk III, Allison Radke; State Senator District 25
Representative; Janet Bewley; Emergency Management Director, Jan Victorson; Highway
Comissioner, Paul Johanik.
3. Pledge of Allegiance; The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
4. Motion Regarding Minutes of May 29th, 2018 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’
Meetings; Motion by Rondeau, Crandall to approve minutes of May 29th, 2018 meeting. Motion
carried.
5. Public Comments
Ellen Lafans from Grandview Township thanked the Bayfield County Board for their work.
Expressed concern for the recent weather and its severe impact on property and roads. Lafans is on
the Board of the Bayfield County Lakes Forum and is also a member of a citizen work group that
works with the Planning and Zoning Committee and Bayfield County professionals to recommend
improvements. She voiced the need for County Board oversight for this work. Lafans also urged the
Board to act.
Kenneth (Kim) Bro, Chair of Washburn Town Plan Commission spoke regarding recent storm
damages. The town of Washburn has a comprehensive plan. Bayfield County can lead in identifying
where these sensitive and steep slopes are. Bro expressed that Bayfield County could do more. He
urged County Board to act soon, especially regarding zoning and planning, before next big storm
occurs.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-53, Honoring Dawn Bellile upon her Retirement from
the Bayfield County Clerk’s office;
WHEREAS, Dawn Bellile has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
County Clerk’s Office for 21 years,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, honors Dawn Bellile for her 21 years of public service to
Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Silbert, Gordon to approve Resolution 2018-53 honoring Dawn Bellile upon her
retirement. Motion carried.
County Clerk Fibert presented the plaque and thanked Dawn Bellile for her service.
County Clerk Fibert then introduced Allison Radke, new Clerk III.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-54, Honoring Dave Swanson upon his Retirement from
the Bayfield County Highway Department;
WHEREAS, David Swanson has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in
the Highway Department for 29 years,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, honors David Swanson for his 29 years of public service to
Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead.
Motion by Crandall, Rondeau to approve Resolution 2018-54 honoring David Swanson upon his
retirement. Motion carried.
Presented to the Highway Commissioner Paul Johanik for Dave Swanson. Crandall spoke to thank
Mr. Swanson.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-60 Employee of the Year General, 2018-61 EOY Sheriff’s
Dept., and Department of the year 2018-62;
Resolution No. 2018-60 Courthouse Employee of the Year-2018
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated
employees,
WHEREAS, Caloney Mesik has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in
the Health Department,
WHEREAS, her fellow employees have determined that she reflects the highest level of values
within her work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
honors: Caloney Mesik, as Employee of the Year for 2018 in the Health Department, for her
dedication and service to Bayfield County.
Motion by Gordon, Rondeau to approve Resolution 2018-60 honoring Caloney Mesik as
Employee of the Year. Motion carried.
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Resolution No. 2018-61 Sherriff’s Office Employee of the Year-2018
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicate employees,
WHEREAS, Scott Stephenson has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication
in the Sheriff’s Office,
WHEREAS, his fellow employees have determined that he reflects the highest level of values
within his work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
honors: Scott Stephenson, as Employee of the Year for 2018 in the Sheriff’s Department for his
dedication and service to Bayfield County.
Motion by Strand, Zepczyk to approve Resolution 2018-61 honoring Scott Stephenson as
Employee of the Year. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 2018-62 Department of the Year-2018
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated
employees and departments,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department has demonstrated strong cooperation
with other departments,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department has received commendations from
other departments, citizens, or community organizations.
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department saves Bayfield County time, energy,
or dollars through their efforts.
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Records Department encourages others through their
positive image and attitude.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
honors: The Bayfield County Land Records Department as Department of the Year for 2018.
Motion by Rondeau, Fickbohm to approve Resolution 2018-62 honoring Bayfield County Land
Records Department as Department of the Year. Motion carried.
9. Disaster Proclamation Ratification Resolution No. 2018-66 for Bayfield County.
WHERAS, a disaster, namely heavy rains and thunderstorms commencing on June 11, 2018 have
struck several jurisdictions within Bayfield County; and
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WHEREAS, documentation in the form of an emergency proclamation related to emergency
conditions and related expenditures support local jurisdiction and the county requests for outside
funding assistance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to State Statute 321.11 and 323.14 (4)(b) of the Wisconsin State Statutes it
was necessary and expedient for the health, safety, welfare, and good order to proclaim that
emergency conditions exist; and
WHEREAS, the County Board Chair of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors signed an
emergency proclamation at the Bayfield County Courthouse on June 18, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, by the resolution, ratifies the emergency proclamation signed
by the County Board Chair on June 18th, 2018.
Emergency Management Director, Jan Victorson provided an update on a damage report update and
aide status. Bayfield County was given a disaster proclamation. Town damages estimated at 3
million and federal forest roads at approximately 4.3 million dollars.
Highway Comissioner, Paul Johanik provided specific updates on roads, washouts, and culverts. No
citizens trapped any longer on a county road system. Except County F and County E, all roads
reported open. Employees working 14-16 hour days. Estimate opening Highway 2 end of August.
137 was closed. 118 was affected. 63-Bibon Swamp- there was 4 feet of water.
The Bayfield County Board and County Administrator thanked all involved for their work.
Citizens are asked to provide photographs of damage.
Motion by Fickbohm, Zepcyzk to approve Resolution 2018-66 Ratifying Emergency
Proclamation. Motion carried.
10. Presentation State Senate District 25 Representative Janet Bewley;
Bewley expressed appreciation for the County’s response. This flood is a disaster. Bewley expects
federal declaration. Bewley stated she is running for re-election and asked Bayfield County Board
members to keep in touch.
Bewley to responded to a question and informed that the First Lady of Wisconsin visited Minong.
The visit had to do with the cause of trauma informed care.
Bewley and the Board discussed Medicaid, low reimbursements, and the impact on Northern Lights
Nursing Home and area medical providers. Wisconsin has the lowest amount of Medicaid
reimbursement in the country. Bayfield County has a higher amount (80-85-90-95%) of Medicaid
patients.
Bewley spoke about NorthLakes which is a FQHC, Federal Qualified Health Clinic. She reported
the clinic works extensively with addiction and behavioral health.
When asked about the Department of Transportation Bill, Bewley responded that it will be
determined by voters in November.
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Chairman Pocernich thanked Wisconsin State Senator Bewley and State Representative Beth
Meyers. Bewley said it’s an honor and privilege to do this work.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-55, Accepting Communicable Disease Prevention Grant;
Sara Wartman;
The County Administrator explained the resolution.
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received a grant in the amount of $3,200
from the Wisconsin Division of Public Health to offset increasing budgetary pressures resulting from
ongoing disease surveillance and investigations at the local level as well as for new projects. Total
award to be expended by June 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any revenue or
expenditures for said grant; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and expend said grant
in 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, hereby approves the following 2018 budget amendments:
Increase Revenue:
100-20-43550-027 Communicable Disease Prevention Grant $3,200
Increase Expenses:
100-20-54138-50121 Full Time Employee $1,000
100-20-54138-50123 Temporary Employee $1,098
100-20-54138-50151 FICA/Medicare $161
100-20-54138-50152 Co. Share Retirement $141
100-20-54138-50154 Health Insurance $200
100-20-54138-50155 Life Insurance $25
100-20-54138-50311 Postage $25
100-20-54138-50325-002 Registration & Tuition - RN $200
100-20-54138-50332-002 Mileage-Registered Nurse $200
100-20-54138 -50390 Other Supplies and Expense $175
Motion by Gordon, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2018-55, Accepting Communicable
Disease Prevention Grant. Roll call was taken: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes,
Maki-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes,
Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Motion carried. (11-0)
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12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-56, Accepting Chequamegon Bay Car Seat Program
Grant; Sara Wartman;
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received a grant in the amount of $1,000
from the Chequamegon Bay Area Community fund, an affiliate of the Duluth Superior Area
Community Foundation to purchase car seats to be given away through the Chequamegon Bay Area
Car Seat Program. Total award to be expended by May 31, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any revenue or
expenditures for said grant; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and expend said grant
in 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, approve the following 2018 budget amendments:
Increase Revenue:
100-20-48530-003 Car Seat Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund $1,000
Increase Expenses:
100-20-54101-50390 Other supplies/expense $1,000
Motion by Silbert, Zepczyk to approve Resolution No. 2018-56. Roll call was taken: Newago-
absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Maki-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-
yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Total 11, 11 yes, 0
no, 2 absent. Motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-57, Accepting ABC’s for Healthy Communities Grant;
Sara Wartman;
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received a grant in the amount of
$21,213 from Security Health to increase the infrastructure available to the public for physical
activity to promote health and wellness. The Bayfield County Health Department will be
partnering with the City of Washburn to turn a hiking trail into a combination fitness/hiking trail.
Total award to be expended by May 31, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any revenue or
expenditures for said grant; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and expend said
grant in 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, hereby approves the following 2018 Budget Adjustments:
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Increase Revenue:
100-20-48509 ABC’s of Healthy Communities $21,213
Increase Expenses:
100-20-54139-50121 Full Time Employee $2,648
100-20-54139-50151 FICA/Medicare $203
100-20-54139-50152 Co. Share Retirement $178
100-20-54139-50154 Health Insurance $1,878
100-20-54139-50290 Contractual Services $1,000
100-20-54139-50332-008 Mileage-Public Health Educator $20
100-20-54139-50390 Other Supplies & Expense $14,286
100-20-54139-50315 Advertising $500
100-20-54139-50348 Educational Supplies $500
Motion by Rondeau, Oswald to approve Resolution 2018-57. Roll call was taken: Newago-absent,
Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Maki-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes,
Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Total 11, 11 yes, 0 no, 2
absent. Motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-58, 2018 Health Department Budget Amendment; Sara
Wartman;
WHEREAS, an amendment to the 2018 Health Department is necessary due to a decrease in
federal and state grant funding for the WIC Grant; and
WHEREAS, this will not affect the amount of tax levy requested by the department;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, hereby approves the following 2018 budget amendments:
Decrease Revenue:
100-20-43550-001 WIC Grant $9,270
Decrease Expense:
100-20-54107-50121 Full Time Employee $9,270
Motion by Strand, Milanowski to approve Resolution No.2018-58. Roll call was taken: Newago-
absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Maki-absent, Oswald- yes, Silbert- yes, Pocernich-yes,
Strand- yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Total: 11,
11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. Motion carried.
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15. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-63, approving BUILD grant commitments;
The County Administrator explained the BUILD grant. It would connect roads and provide year-
round access for Highways A and N. The match would be 14%. Rondeau said it was a mistake to
not do this in the first place. Clarifying questions from Crandall regarding funding. Chairman
reminded this is just a motion to apply for the grant.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County maintains 172 miles of county highways; and
WHEREAS, Forestry is a critical industry for Bayfield County; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County annually places road weight limit restrictions on county highways
during the spring break-up to protect roads which negatively impact the ability of the logging
industry to access and transport forest product; and
WHEREAS, County Highways A and N provide access to thousands of acres of forestland that
supplies timber for forest products; and
WHEREAS, funding for highways is important. Scare resources make funding difficult. Bayfield
County has annually dedicated additional resources to highway projects, and
WHEREAS, over the past five years both the Bayfield County Board and the Citizens of Bayfield
County have ranked Highways as the number one priority of the County during the annual budget
process and budget survey; and
WHEREAS, maintenance and upkeep of roadways are of regional concern to support the forest
industry; and
WHEREAS, alternate funding mechanisms are important to supplement the county’s ability to
properly maintain county roads; and
WHEREAS, the US Department of Transportation BUILD program offers matching grant funds for
economic development projects and in May 2018 the Bayfield County Board authorized submittal
of an application to the BUILD grant program for reconstruction of County Highways A and N to
all season road standards; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost for the project is $26,611,470 dollars encompassing 22 miles of
county highway reconstruction, and
WHEREAS, this improvement project would have a significant economic development impact on
Bayfield County Communities and businesses in addition to improving safety and reducing
maintenance costs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The Bayfield County Board, this 26th day of June
2018 will commit and hereby encumbers $3.75 million (14%) toward this project over a period of
three years.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County has previously supported efforts at the state
level to raise additional funds for county highway reconstruction and that the Bayfield County Board
hereby petitions the Governor, the Assembly, and Senate of the State of Wisconsin to pursue
supplemental funding for county highways in Wisconsin.
Motion by Rondeau, Gordon to approve Resolution No. 2018-63. Motion carried.
16. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-64, Tourism Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Tourism Department has entered into a Challenge Cost Share
Agreement with the USDA Forest Service to work together in a cooperative effort to promote trails
and facilities on National Forest System lands; and
WHEREAS, the “2018 Wisconsin Bat Festival and Science Night” will be held in Bayfield County
on August 24-25, 2018 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center hosted by the USDA Forest
Service and the WI Department of Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Forest Service funds in the amount of $2,500 are currently available for this event
from the Fiscal Year 2018 Youth Engagement Projects fund; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Bayfield County Tourism Department will partner with the Chequamegon-
Nicolet National Forest to receive and expend the funds that have been awarded to them; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Bayfield County Tourism budget needs to be amended to reflect these
revenues and expenses:
Revenue Accounts to increase for a total of: $2,500
# 100-23-43260 Misc Federal Grant $2,500
Disbursement Accounts to increase for a total of: $2,500
# 100-23-55301-50390 – Other Supplies and Expense: $1,900
# 100-23-55301-50336 – Lodging: $600
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018 does hereby amend the Tourism budget to reflect the increase
in revenues by $2,500 and the increase in expenditures by $2,500.
Motion by Strand, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2018-64. A roll call was taken: Newago-
absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Maki-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-
yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Total: 11, 11 yes, 0
no, 2 absent. Motion carried.
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17. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2018-65, Energy Grant Application
Resolution 2018-65 was explained by the County Administrator.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County plans to apply for an Energy Innovation Grant, and;
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has successfully completed multiple projects, conserving or reducing
energy consumption in the past, and;
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is proposing a mix of projects that will include renewable and
alternate energies, equipment controls in the Bayfield County Computer Server room, and HVAC
equipment upgrades.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 26th day of June 2018, do hereby support the application for an Energy Innovation
Grant and commits necessary resources to these projects as budgeted.
Motion by Crandall, Fickbohm to approve Resolution No. 2018-65. Motion carried.
18. Report of the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding the Rezone of the
Bucher Property Located in Delta – Robert Schierman, Zoning Director;
County Board member Strand explained the Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee report.
REPORT OF THE BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
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 Section 59.69(5)(e), Wisconsin Statutes; notice thereof having been given
as provided by law; and having been duly informed of the facts pertinent to the following changes;
hereby recommends the following action on said petition:
The Zoning of Todd C and Nina Bucher 8-acre parcel (ID# 12815) (V. 751 P. 355), located in part
of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW ¼ SE ¼), lying North and West of the River,
Section Seventeen (17), Township Forty-Six (46) N, Range Seven (7) W, Town of Delta, Bayfield
County, WI from Forestry-1 (F-1) to Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB).
Motion by Strand, Rondeau to receive and place on file the Report of the Bayfield County
Planning and Zoning Committee. Motion carried.
19. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2018-07, Regarding the Rezone of the Bucher
Property Located in Delta - Robert Schierman, Zoning Director;
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows:
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That the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, adopted June 1, 1976, be and the same, is hereby
amended as follows:
The Zoning of Todd C and Nina Bucher 8-acre parcel (ID# 12815) (V. 751 P. 355), located in part
of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NW ¼ SE ¼), lying North and West of the River,
Section Seventeen (17), Township Forty-Six (46) N, Range Seven (7) W, Town of Delta, Bayfield
County, WI from Forestry-1 (F-1) to Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB).
Motion by Rondeau, Milanowski to approve the Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No.
2018-07. Motion carried.
20. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment of Board of Adjustment Members
Jane Bucy–Member and Frank Kostka–alternate for term July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2021;
Motion by Rondeau, Silbert to approve the appointments of the Board of Adjustment Members.
Motion carried.
21. Motion by to move in and out of Executive/Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e)(f)(g),
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; or considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary
data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the
investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed
in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person
referred to in such histories or data or involved in such problems or investigations; or 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.
Motion by Gordon, Milanowski to move into Executive/Closed Session at 7:08 pm. Motion carried.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Rondeau, Gordon to return to open session at 7:59 pm. Motion carried.
22. Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
✓ July 31st; Aug. 28th; Sept. 26th (Wednesday, one day later due to WCA Conf. ending
on Tuesday)
a) Committee Reports, Meeting Dates, Members;
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b) Supervisors’ Reports:
Oswald, Silbert, and Strand gave updates for their respective committees.
c) Future Agenda Items;
Strand recommends Board Resolution to acknowledge and thank all who have worked on flood
response.
Crandall spoke about Ambulance services. Concerns. Suggested EMS have County representation.
Steering committee.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman
Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/alr