HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 4/23/20191
Bayfield County Clerk
Scott S. Fibert, County Clerk
Kim Mattson, Accountant Jeran Rekemeyer, Deputy Clerk
Gail M. Reha, Bookkeeper Allison Radke, Clerk III
Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: sfibert@bayfieldcounty.org ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Draft Minutes of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
April 23rd, 2019 6:00 p.m.
Bayfield County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Bayfield County
Chairman, Dennis Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk, Scott Fibert, as follows: George
Newago- present; Thomas Gordon- absent; Larry Fickbohm- present; Harold Maki- absent; Jeremy
Oswald- present; Jeffrey Silbert- present; Dennis Pocernich- present; Fred Strand- present; Thomas
Snilsberg- present via telephone; Marty Milanowski- present; David Zepczyk- present; James Crandall-
present; Brett Rondeau- present. Total: 11 present, 2 absent. A quorum was present to conduct business.
The following were also present for today’s meeting: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison;
County Clerk- Scott Fibert; Clerk III- Allison Radke; William Bailey; Bill Bussey; Director of Human
Services- Elizabeth Skulan; Director of Child Support- Jen Osmak; UW-Extension Area Director- Mary
Pardee; 3 scholarship applicants; numerous citizens.
3. Pledge of Allegiance; The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
4. Public Comment;
Mark Peterson, a Town of Bayfield resident, spoke in support of the HR 763, which is
Bayfield County Resolution 2019-22, and in support Bayfield County Resolution 2019-21.
Peterson said they are bipartisan issues and that HR 763 has the support of many leaders.
Alexis Nestel, a senior at Drummond High School, introduced herself as an applicant for
the Local Government Scholarship. Nestel will be attending UW-River Falls in the fall.
She has participated in Superior Days and Badger Girls State.
Erin Matula, a senior at Washburn High School, introduced herself as an applicant for
the Local Government Scholarship. Matula will attend Northern Michigan University. She
also attended a semester at Conserve School.
Ryan Meeker spoke in support of Resolutions 2019-21 and 2019-22. Meeker stated that
solar could attract younger people to the region. Meeker is also an applicant for the Local
Government Scholarship.
Ted, last name unknown, from Ashland spoke in support of Resolution No. 2019-22
regarding climate change legislation.
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Gail Syverud, from Barksdake, is concerned about climate change and spoke about HR 763.
She gave information about greenhouse gas emissions and its impact on the planet. She stated
that HR 763 is a bipartisan climate solution.
Pam Dryer spoke about Resolution No. 2019-22. She stated it makes sense because the
dividends would return to low and middle-income families.
Susan Hedman lives in the City of Bayfield. She thanked the Bayfield County Board for
investing in solar energy and for endorsing the use of the established corridor for the Xcel
transmission line. She spoke in favor of HR 763 and its benefits.
Charmaine Swan and her son were present in support of HR 763. She spoke about the
importance of taking care of the planet for future generations.
Ross Smith from Bayfield spoke in support of HR 763. He is interested in the economic
benefit of HR 763.
Rick Dale, from Bayfield, gave a fruit farmer’s perspective. He has been farming in Bayfield
for 42 years. From his observation, the climate has changed. He is worried about his family’s
future. He stated that hanging climatic conditions have impacted marketing, transportation,
pests, diseases, and more.
Neil, last name unknown, lives in Bayfield. He spoke about Resolutions 2019-21 and 2019-
22. He gave information about climate change and its impact on his son’s studies and
employment.
Tom Galazen is a farmer from Bayfield. He has wind power and solar power. He was present
to support Resolutions 2019-21 and 2019-22.
5. Motion Regarding Minutes of the March 26th, 2019 Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors’ Meeting;
Motion by Rondeau, Crandall to approve the minutes of the March 26th Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ meeting. No additions or corrections. Motion carried.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-20; Recognizing Richard Compton for his
years of service to the Board of Adjustment;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison recognized Richard Compton for his 13 years of
service on the Board of Adjustment.
WHEREAS, Richard Compton has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and
dedication as a member of the Board of Adjustment for 13 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 23th day of April 2019, honors Richard Compton for his 13
years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing
him well in the years ahead.
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Motion by Rondeau, Silbert to approve Resolution No. 2019-20, in recognition of
Richard Compton. Motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-21; Solar project and budget amendment,
Background review; William Bailey;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison introduced Bill Bailey, a leader in the Bayfield County
solar project. Bailey gave background information on the solar initiative. Two solar
installations are planned for the Bayfield County Jail and the Bayfield County Highway
Department. County Administrator Abeles-Allison gave information on specific amounts:
$105,413 will come from 2 solar grants. It was proposed that $205,000 be transferred from
general fund balances to the Capital Improvement Fund for the Highway and Jail solar
projects. Comments were received from County Board Supervisors.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has set a goal of 25% of its energy usage to be from
renewables by 2025; and,
WHEREAS, local energy production creates local jobs and reduces utility bills; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is part of a group buy along with the City and School District
of Washburn and the Bayfield Waste Water Treatment Plant; and,
WHEREAS, bids for all four of these entities will be submitted by Friday, April 19; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has two solar panel projects planned at the Bayfield County
Jail and the Bayfield County Highway Department as part of this project; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has applied for and received approval for two solar grants for
these projects in the amount of $105,413; and,
WHEREAS the estimated total project cost is $309,000 leaving a remaining implementation
cost of approximately $205,000; and,
WHEREAS, the financial return of solar investments is currently greater than that of having
monies in the bank; and,
WHEREAS, the return on investment is over 7%, this is in comparison with the current 10-
year treasury bill return of 2.51%.
WHEREAS, the County investment has a 12-year payback, while the panels have a 30-year
warranty and 40-50 year life expectancy; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 23rd day of April 2019, authorizes up to $205,000 to be transferred from
general fund balances to the Capital Improvement Fund for the Highway and Jail solar
projects; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that annual savings from solar energy generation be
returned to the Highway and Jail operations respectively and that savings be tracked to
compare with projected savings.
Increase General Fund Balance applied account 100-00-49301 by $205,000
Increase Transfer to CIP account 100-00-59430-50820 by $205,000
Increase CIP Transfer from Other Funds 430-70-49201 by $205,000
Increase CIP Capital Projects 430-00-57100-50820 by $205,000
Motion by Strand, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2019-21 regarding the solar project
and budget amendment. A roll call was taken as follows: Newago-yes, Gordon-absent,
Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes via
telephone, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Maki-absent. (11-yes,
0-no, 2 absent) Motion carried.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-22; Urging Congress to Support HR 763, Climate
Change Legislation; Bill Bussey;
Bill Bussey from Bayfield gave a presentation regarding Resolution No. 2019-22, on behalf of
Chequamegon Bay Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Bussey gave information regarding climate
change from a local and national perspective. The proposed Resolution No. 2019-22 urges
Congress to support the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, known as HR 763.
Specifics economic impacts were discussed in regarding the carbon fees and dividends.
Comments were received from County Board Supervisors regarding the dividend and fees.
Bussey explained that fees would be exempt for the fuel used for military and agricultural
purposes.
WHEREAS, increases in global average temperatures, the number and intensity of extreme
weather events, sea level rise, and the melting of glacial and Arctic ice, indicate that the global
climate is changing; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has experienced two 500-year extreme rain events in the past
three years, which have caused damage to Bayfield County roads, bridges, culverts, and other
infrastructure—including roads and recreational trails providing access to the Bayfield County
Forest—in excess of six million dollars; and
WHEREAS, studies by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts project that if
climate change continues unchecked, Bayfield County will experience increasingly warmer
temperatures, especially during the winter months, and increasing amounts of precipitation
and extreme rain events; and
WHEREAS, such changes are likely to have substantial adverse impacts on Bayfield
County’s highways and roads and other critical infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, such changes may also have adverse effects on Bayfield County’s forests and
timber industry by decreasing suitable habitat for such commercially important species as
paper birch and quaking aspen, increasing the risk of wildfires, and increasing stress from
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forest pests, diseases, and non-native species; and
WHEREAS, such changes may also have adverse impacts on Bayfield County agriculture by
increasing erosion from extreme rain events, hampering access to fields at critical times, and
causing alterations in late-winter freeze/thaw cycles; and
WHEREAS, such changes may also have adverse impacts on Bayfield County’s winter
tourism economy by decreasing the duration of winter snow cover and rendering winter
conditions less predictable; and
WHEREAS, recent reports by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the
US government indicate that to avoid the worst potential impacts of climate change, urgent
action is needed to reduce carbon emissions; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has been a governmental leader in addressing climate change
locally by taking numerous steps to increase the energy efficiency of its facilities and increase
its use of renewable energy, including the installation of solar panels at a number of its
facilities and major participation in Xcel Energy’s Ashland Community Solar Garden; and
WHEREAS, in order to reduce carbon emissions most effectively and efficiently, leading
economists (including four past chairs of the Federal Reserve Board, 27 Nobel Laureates, and
15 past chairs of the Council of Economic Advisors) recommend a gradually increasing
carbon tax on fossil fuels, with the proceeds thereof returned to American households as
dividends, and with a border adjustment system to protect the competitiveness of American
firms both nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, introduced in the current
Congress as H.R. 763, meets all of those criteria and has bipartisan support; and
WHEREAS, competent studies have projected that if such legislation is enacted, it will result
in a substantial reduction in carbon emissions as well as increases in GDP and employment;
and that the dividends received by most low and moderate-income households will be more
than enough to offset price increases due to the carbon fee;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 23rd day of April 2019, do hereby urge the United States Congress to pass
H.R. 763 without delay; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Clerk is directed to send copies of
this resolution to Governor Tony Evers, Senator Ron Johnson, Senator Tammy Baldwin,
Representative Sean Duffy, State Senator Janet Bewley, and State Representative Beth
Meyers.
Motion by Silbert, Strand to amend Resolution No. 2019-22 with the addition of sending the
Resolution to Governor Evers, State Senator Janet Bewley, and State Representative Beth
Meyers. Motion carried with 1 opposed.
Motion by Fickbohm, Oswald to approve Resolution No. 2019-22, urging Congress to
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Support HR 763, Climate Change Legislation. Motion carried with 1 opposed.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-23; Budget Adjustment and Program
Restructuring, Bayfield County Human Services and the Comprehensive Community
Services Program; Elizabeth Skulan, Director of Human Services;
Director of Human Services, Elizabeth Skulan, gave information about Resolution No. 2019-
23 which involves Bayfield County Human Services and the Comprehensive Community
Services Program. Skulan explained that New Horizons North is going out of business and
will no longer be providing services for community members with mental health and
substance abuse issues. This Resolution is budget adjustment to move line items. Specific
dollar amounts are unknown at this time. Budget amendments will be provided to the Human
Services Board and the Bayfield County Board by the end of August 2019.
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program is a state funded,
county administered program; and,
WHEREAS, CCS is designed to assist individuals with mental health and substance abuse
issues to maintain a normal lifestyle while living at home and in their communities; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has contracted with New Horizons North for these services in
the past; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County will assume responsibility for this program and begin to
administer the program effective May 1, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, this program is funded by State and Federal funds through the State Department
of Health Services; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has fully budgeted for this program in 2019; and,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Personnel Committee has approved three new full-time
positions that will work for the Human Services, CCS program; and,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Human Services is aware of and supportive of these
changes; and
WHEREAS, the transition to Bayfield County operating this program will involve budget
adjustments, moving contractual line items to personnel line items including the hiring of
three full time staff; and,
WHEREAS, adjustments are not finalized but will be better known after three months of
operating the program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 23rd day of April 2019, does hereby authorize the Bayfield County
Department of Human Services to operate the Comprehensive Community Services Program
(CCS); and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board approves reallocation of existing
funds within the current Human Services budgeted total reallocating contractual funds for
operational costs of the CCS program. The Human Services Department will report to the
Human Services Board and County Board by the end of August 2019 on actual budget
adjustments for the CCS Program for 2019.
Motion by Crandall, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2019-23, Budget adjustment and
program restructuring for Bayfield County Human Services and the Comprehensive
Community Services Program. Motion carried.
10. Presentation: 2018 Annual Child Support Report; Jen Osmak, Director of Child Support;
Director of Child Support, Jen Osmak, presented the 2018 Annual Child Support Report.
Osmak provided information regarding the mission, responsibilities, successes, budget,
collections, goals, performance measures, and trends throughout the past 6 years.
County Board Supervisor Rondeau departed at 7:56 p.m. prior to the vote.
Motion by Oswald, Fickbohm to receive and place on file the 2018 Annual Child Support
Report. Motion carried.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-24; Supporting the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota
Air National Guard Base; Duluth, Minnesota;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison stated that this Resolution is about continued support of
the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard Base in Duluth, Minnesota.
WHEREAS, the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard Base located in Duluth,
MN has been and continues to be a stable employer for air men and women across Northern
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan for many years; and
WHEREAS, the base has provided an estimated $94 million annually in direct
expenditure in the region; and,
WHEREAS, the base is a respected member of our region supporting quality men and
women who raise their families throughout the region supporting our healthcare facilities,
education systems, businesses, and communities; and,
WHEREAS, the entire region of Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan is
impacted positively by the economic vitality of the base; and,
WHEREAS, the longevity and continued viability of the base can be supported and
enhanced by the installation of new F-35 aircraft;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, assembled this 23rd day of April 2019, do hereby support and encourage the
continued viability of the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard Base in
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Duluth, Minnesota by asking Congress and the appropriate Military Leadership to place
new F-35 aircraft there as soon as possible in support of our nation’s defense.
Motion by Snilsberg, Fickbohm to approve Resolution No. 2019-24 in support of the
148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard Base. Motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-25; Authorizing Participation in Outdoor
Motorized Recreation Trail Aids, Stewardship Local Assistance Grant Programs and
Federal Recreation Trails Act; Jason Bodine, Forestry and Parks Administrator;
Resolution No. 2019-25 authorizes Forestry and Parks Administrator Jason Bodine to
execute documentation to apply for grants and reimbursements. This Resolution was
reviewed and recommended by the Forestry Committee.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is interested in maintaining, acquiring, insuring, and/or
developing lands for public outdoor recreation purposes as described in the application; and
WHEREAS, in most situations, financial aid will be required to complete the projects; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County will budget a sum sufficient to complete each project; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, meeting this 23rd day of April 2019, hereby authorizes the Bayfield County
Forestry and Parks Administrator to:
1. From calendar year 2019 through calendar year 2023, submit an application to the
State of Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources for any financial aid that may be
available; and
2. File reimbursement claims along with all necessary supporting documentation within
six months of the project completion date; and
3. Sign all documents pertaining to the project or application; and
4. Take necessary action to undertake, direct and complete all approved projects.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event the Forestry and Parks Administrator
is unable to complete one or all of the actions, the Bayfield County Recreation Forester is
authorized to perform the above listed items 1 through 4.
Motion by Strand, Zepczyk to approve Resolution No. 2019-25 to authorize participation in
Outdoor Motorized Recreation Trail Aids. Motion carried.
13. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2019-06; Petition to
amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Zoning of a Mauritz parcel
in the Town of Bell from Residential-One (R-1) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1); Rob
Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
Zoning Report No. 2019-06 was approved by the Zoning Committee and the Town of Bell
Board. There were no objections.
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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 Herbert R Mauritz 10-acre parcel (ID# 34950) (Doc# 2019R-576320),
described as (2) parcels in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼),
Parcel #1 is described as follows: Beginning at the NE corner of the NW1/4 of said
Section 36; thence Westerly 400 feet along the center line of Highway 13; thence South on
a line parallel to the North and South quarter section line of said Section 36 a distance of
400 feet; thence East on a line parallel with the North line of said Section 36,400 feet to
the North and South quarter section line; thence North along said quarter section line 400
feet to the Point of Beginning; EXCEPT Town Road B-3
Parcel #2 is described as follows: Commencing at the NW corner of said Section 36;
thence East parallel to the centerline of Highway 13 as now occupied, 2569.0 feet; thence
South 0° 25' East, 400.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 0° 25' East,
884 feet; thence West 340.0 feet to a point hereafter known as Point "A"; thence North 0°
25' West, 884.0 feet; thence East 340.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; EXCEPT the parcel
described as follows: The Point of Beginning is the SW corner of the above parcel and
which point Is known In the above parcel as Point "A"; thence from said Point of
Beginning, East 100.0 feet; thence North 200 feet; thence West 100.0 feet; thence South
200.0 feet to the Point of Beginning.
Both in Section Thirty-Six (36), Township Fifty-One (51) N, Range Six (6) W, Town of Bell,
Bayfield County, WI change from Residential-One (R-1) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1).
* Note: parcels within one thousand (1,000) feet landward of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable lakes, ponds or
flowages or within three hundred (300) feet landward of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable rivers or streams or
to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater is deemed a shoreland and/or wetland zone.
Motion by Silbert, Fickbohm to receive and place on file Report No. 2019-06, Petition to
amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Zoning of a Mauritz
parcel in the Town of Bell. Motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2019-06; Amendment regarding the Zoning of a
Mauritz parcel in the Town of Bell from Residential-One (R-1) to Agricultural-One
(Ag-1); Rob Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2019-06 would amend the Mauritz parcel from
Residential-One (R-1) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1). This request is for a hobby farm.
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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:
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.69 (5) authorizes the County Board to adopt a
zoning ordinance; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.69(5)(e) authorizes the County Board to change
district boundaries; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of the County of Bayfield that the District
Boundaries be further modified and amended in the manner hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors does hereby ordain as
follows:
The Zoning of Herbert R Mauritz 10-acre parcel (ID# 34950) (Doc# 2019R-576320),
described as (2) parcels in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼),
Parcel #1 is described as follows: Beginning at the NE corner of the NW1/4 of said
Section 36; thence Westerly 400 feet along the center line of Highway 13; thence South on
a line parallel to the North and South quarter section line of said Section 36 a distance of
400 feet; thence East on a line parallel with the North line of said Section 36,400 feet to
the North and South quarter section line; thence North along said quarter section line 400
feet to the Point of Beginning; EXCEPT Town Road B-3
Parcel #2 is described as follows: Commencing at the NW corner of said Section 36;
thence East parallel to the centerline of Highway 13 as now occupied, 2569.0 feet; thence
South 0° 25' East, 400.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 0° 25' East,
884 feet; thence West 340.0 feet to a point hereafter known as Point "A"; thence North 0°
25' West, 884.0 feet; thence East 340.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; EXCEPT the parcel
described as follows: The Point of Beginning is the SW corner of the above parcel and
which point Is known In the above parcel as Point "A"; thence from said Point of
Beginning, East 100.0 feet; thence North 200 feet; thence West 100.0 feet; thence South
200.0 feet to the Point of Beginning.
Both in Section Thirty-Six (36), Township Fifty-One (51) N, Range Six (6) W, Town of Bell,
Bayfield County, WI change from Residential-One (R-1) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1).
* Note: parcels within one thousand (1,000) feet landward of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable lakes, ponds or
flowages or within three hundred (300) feet landward of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable rivers or streams or
to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater is deemed a shoreland and/or wetland zone.
Motion by Silbert, Strand to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-06, Amendment regarding the
Zoning of a Mauritz parcel in the Town of Bell. Motion carried.
15. Appointment and confirmation to the Board of Adjustment; Dennis Rasmussen,
reappointment as Alternate for a new term from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2022; and
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Re-designation of Alternates: 1st Alternate - Dennis Rasmussen; 2nd Alternate - Frank
Kostka; Department of Planning and Zoning;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison provided information about the Board Adjustment
appointments. The appointments, re-designation, and confirmations involve Dennis
Rasmussen and Frank Kostka.
Motion by Silbert, Crandall to approve the appointment of Dennis Rasmussen as an
Alternate to the Board of Adjustment and to re-designate the 1st and 2nd Alternates. Motion
carried.
16. Discussion and Possible Action on input for the State Biennial Budget Listening Session;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison provided a handout and discussed Bayfield County
Board concerns to present to the State of Wisconsin, Joint Finance Committee for the State
Biennial Budget Listening Session. Comments were received from County Board Supervisors
with ideas and suggestions.
Motion by Crandall, Strand to provide 2019-2021 Budget input to the State of Wisconsin,
Joint Finance Committee. Also, send the letter to State Senator Janet Bewley and State
Representative Beth Meyers. Motion carried.
17. The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors may entertain a motion to move in and out of
Executive/Closed Session pursuant to: §19.85(1)(g) to confer 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 Oswald, Fickbohm to enter Executive/Closed Session at 8:11 p.m. Motion
carried.
The following were allowed to remain in Executive/Closed Session: County Administrator-
Mark Abeles-Allison; County Clerk- Scott Fibert; Clerk III- Allison Radke.
Discussion took place with topics including: the Red Cliff Zoning Lawsuit.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made
by Crandall, Oswald to return to Open Session at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried.
18. Bayfield County Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
✓ May 28th, 2019 – 4:30 p.m. early start due to Annual Budget Planning Session
✓ June 25th, 2019
✓ July 30th, 2019
b) State Budget update; Previously discussed in agenda item #16.
c) Opioid/ Meth/ Substance Abuse Epidemic in Bayfield County;
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A recovery specialist will talk with Department Heads this week.
d) Rural Transportation Summit;
The Rural Transportation Summit was held last week. Multiple County Board
Supervisors attended.
e) Annual Budget Survey;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison gave information regarding transportation funding
for Bayfield County in the upcoming years. The was discussion about types of funding
for road repair in Bayfield County. To increase miles of road repaired would cost $1.75
million per year for 9 miles a year or $1 million per year for 6 miles a year. Input was
received from County Board Supervisors regarding the Annual Budget Survey.
f) Housing Assessment Initiative;
There is work being done to determine housing needs in Northern Wisconsin.
g) High School Senior, Local Government Scholarship Committee;
The Local Government Scholarship Committee will be addressed at Executive
Committee.
19. Supervisors’ Reports;
Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Conference will be held in September of 2019,
Registration opens May 1st. Those interested include: Jeff Silbert, Larry Fickbohm, Dennis
Pocernich, Fred Strand, Jim Crandall, and Mark Abeles-Allison. Comments were also
received regarding the Sheriff’s Committee, Cervid Committee, and Northern Lights.
20. Future Agenda Items; None identified.
21. Adjournment.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/alr