HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 10/29/2019
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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
October 29th, 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 6:01 p.m. by Bayfield County
Chairman, Dennis Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk- Scott Fibert, as follows: George
Newago- absent; Thomas Gordon- present; Larry Fickbohm- present; Harold Maki- absent; Jeremy
Oswald- present; Jeffrey Silbert- present; Dennis Pocernich- present; Fred Strand- present; Thomas
Snilsberg- present; 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.
3. Pledge of Allegiance; The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
4. 2020 Bayfield County Budget Public Hearing;
Motion by Gordon, Silbert to adjourn as a County Board and convene as a Committee of the
Whole to hold a public hearing on the 2020 Bayfield County Budget. A roll call was taken as
follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes,
Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Maki-absent.
(11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
No public comment was received regarding the 2020 Bayfield County Budget.
County Board Chair Pocernich introduced the budget and thanked the Bayfield County staff for their
work to compile the budget. County Administrator Abeles-Allison provided an overview of the 2020
Bayfield County Budget, including comparisons from the previous years, modifications that were
made, and general information about the Bayfield County levy. The proposed 2020 expenditure
budget is $33,242,680. That represents a 4.21% increase over 2019. The main factor that has
increased the budget for 2020 is the borrowing of $1.65 million for Highway repairs. It was noted
that the Executive Committee met over 4 meetings to review the 2020 budget.
Motion by Rondeau, Milanowski to close the Public Hearing and reconvene as a County Board. A
roll call was taken as follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-
yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes,
Rondeau-yes, Maki-absent. (11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
5. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt 2020 Budget;
Motion by Silbert, Zepczyk to adopt the Bayfield County 2020 Budget as proposed. A roll call was
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taken as follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-
yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Maki-
absent. (11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
6. Discussion and Possible Action to Set the 2020 Tax Levy;
The total amount of the 2020 tax levy is $11,418,239. The main increase is due to Highway repairs.
Motion by Gordon, Rondeau to adopt the Bayfield County 2020 Tax Levy of $11,418,239. A roll
call was taken as follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes,
Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-
yes, Maki-absent. (11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-69; Tax Charge Backs: Year of 2018 - Town of Iron
River; Year of 2018 - Town of Lincoln; Year of 2017 - Town of Russell; Years of 2015-2018 -
Town of Russell; Bayfield County Treasurer;
County Administrator Abeles-Allison explained the meaning and use of the tax charge backs. The
total amount of the tax charge backs from Resolution No. 2019-69 is $2,197.09
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, has examined a report of the Bayfield
County Treasurer setting forth the certain Tax Certificates now owned by Bayfield County. The
legal description for said Tax Certificates is as follows:
Town of Iron River: Tax ID #20174; Lots 11-14; Section 2 – Township 47N – Range 8W.
Bayfield County foreclosed on said property on 12/19/2017 for the unpaid taxes of 2012. Bayfield
County is tax-exempt. The Face of the Certificate is $71.85; and
Town of Lincoln: Tax ID #22384; Parcel in the NW ¼ NW ¼ in 2017R-568399; Section 1 –
Township 45N – Range 5W. Bayfield County Highway Department purchased said property on
5/19/2017. Bayfield County is tax-exempt. The Face of the Certificate is $153.33; and
Town of Russell: Tax ID #29689; SE ¼ NW ¼; Section 17 – Township 51N – Range 3W. Per the
Town of Russell, this property should not have been assessed for taxes and called it an illegal tax.
The Face of the Certificate is $559.27; and
Town of Russell: Tax ID #29786; Part of S 442’ in NE ¼ NW ¼, North of Old Hwy 13 less West
1205” in V.289 P.376; Section 31 – Township 51N – Range 3W. The Town Assessor errored in
assessing the parcel to have improvements of which there are none. The Face of the Certificate is
$1,412.64; and
WHEREAS, these Tax Certificates are illegal and void in that said Certificates were issued on the
tax exempt property, or property on which there was a double or incorrect description and for other
reasons as set forth in said Treasurer’s Report and are not justly re-assessable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, authorizes that the amounts of said illegal and void Tax
Certificates are charged back to the respective towns, cities, or villages where in such lands are
situated as follows: Town of Iron River in the amount of $71.85; Town of Lincoln in the amount of
$153.33; Town of Russell in the amount of $559.27; and the Town of Russell in the amount of
$1,412.64.
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Motion by Rondeau, Zepczyk to adopt the Bayfield County Tax Charge Backs. A roll call was
taken as follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-
yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Maki-
absent. (11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
8. Public Comment; No public comment was received.
9. Motion Regarding the Minutes of the October 1st, 2019 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’
Meeting;
Motion by Rondeau, Milanowski to approve the Minutes of the October 1st, 2020 Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. No additions or corrections. Motion carried.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-70; In remembrance and recognition of Veterans Day;
Office of Veterans Service;
This Resolution was proposed by the Bayfield County Interim Veterans Service Officer, Michelle
Anderson. Veterans Day is November 11th, 2019. County Administrator Abeles-Allison read
Resolution No. 2019-70 in respect and recognition of veterans.
WHEREAS, the 11th of November 2019 is celebrated as Veteran’s Day; and
WHEREAS, we remember the countless sacrifices that our country’s valiant veterans have made
throughout our history to preserve our liberty and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed
Forces have been imperative in preserving our freedoms and way of life; and
WHEREAS, our veterans are courageous and selfless individuals who, when duty called, readily put
themselves in harm’s way to defend the lives and freedom of others; and
WHEREAS, we must all strive to ensure that ours remains a land worthy of the boundless devotion
our veterans have shown for it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, recognize and respect the contributions of our veterans to
the ideologies of democracy, individual freedom and civil liberties.
Motion by Rondeau, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2019-70, In remembrance and
recognition of Veteran’s Day. Motion carried.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-71; In awareness of winter travel and in appreciation of
County and Municipal snowplow operators; Bayfield County Administrator;
This Resolution serves as a reminder of winter driving awareness and in appreciation of the
snowplow operators. It was advised to send Resolution No. 2019-71 to all Municipal Clerks in
Bayfield County.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County contains over 2,100 miles of roads.
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WHEREAS, snowplowing is a critical service to ensure that emergency services can safely travel as
required, and that citizens are able to access work, school and necessary services, and;
WHEREAS, County and Local Roadway maintenance employees are dedicated to keeping
roadways clear at all times of year, but have additional burdens during the winter season; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County reminds all persons to:
Be cautious when they encounter snowplows
Limit driving during bad weather to avoid becoming stuck or stalled in their vehicles.
Be aware that Wisconsin state law requires drivers to be at least 200 feet behind a working
snowplow.
Use caution when passing a working snowplow because it can create a cloud of snow that
can obscure a driver's vision.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, does hereby recognize the importance of the work of
County and Local Roadway Maintenance Employees and thanks them for their efforts to keep
County and Local Roadways safe during heavy snow events.
Motion by Oswald, Fickbohm to approve Resolution 2019-71, In awareness of winter travel and in
appreciation of County and Municipal snowplow operators. Motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-72; Recognizing Larry Tutland for over 23 years of
dedication and service in the Bayfield County Highway Department;
County Board Supervisors recognized Larry Tutland for his work at the Bayfield County Highway
Department.
WHEREAS, Larry Tutland has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in
the Highway Department for 23 years;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, honors Larry Tutland for his 23 years of public service
to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead.
Motion by Gordon, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2019-72, Recognizing Larry Tutland for
over 23 years of dedication and service in the Bayfield County Highway Department. Motion
carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-73; Recognizing Sheila Mack for over 23 years of
dedication and service in the Bayfield County Department of Human Services;
County Board Supervisors thanked Sheila Mack for her dedication and service over the last 23
years.
WHEREAS, Sheila Mack has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in
the Human Services Department for over 23 years;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, honors Sheila Mack for her 23 years of public service
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to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Crandall, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2019-73, Recognizing Sheila Mack
for over 23 years of dedication and service in the Bayfield County Department of Human
Services. Motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-74; Request to apply for a waiver from Federal rules
excluding Medicaid coverage for institutional stays; Elizabeth Skulan, Human Services
Director;
Human Services Director Skulan provided background information regarding this Resolution.
Federal rules exclude all patients from 22 – 64 years old from Medicaid coverage in an Institute
for Mental Disease. This exclusion results in high costs to Wisconsin counties. The waiver is
statewide and if received would impact all Wisconsin Counties. The State has to request this
waiver and this Resolution encourages the State to apply. It was advised to also forward
Resolution No. 2019-74 to Federal Senators.
WHEREAS, federal rules exclude patients age 22-64 years of age from Medicaid coverage in an
Institute for Mental Disease (IMD), resulting in high costs to Wisconsin counties for individuals
with mental illness who require short-term placement; and
WHEREAS, the IMD rule can be a barrier to securing necessary health care treatment and aiding
young and middle-aged adults with brain disorders on their path to recovery; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an invitation to
states to apply for a waiver of this exclusion, allowing states to receive federal reimbursement for
the cost of treatment in an IMD;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019 urges Governor Evers and the Legislature to submit an
application for a CMS waiver of the Medicaid IMD exclusion to allow federal reimbursement of
short-term acute care and transition planning for persons with serious and persistent mental
illness;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, once approved, the Bayfield County Clerk is directed to send a
copy of the resolution to Governor Tony Evers, Senator Janet Bewley, Representative Beth
Meyers, the Wisconsin County Human Services Association (WCHSA) and the Wisconsin
Counties Association (WCA).
Motion by Rondeau, Fickbohm to approve Resolution No. 2019-74, Request to apply for a
waiver from Federal rules excluding Medicaid coverage for institutional stays. Motion carried.
15. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2019-18; Petition to
amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Zoning of an Edward Scheider
parcel in the Town of Keystone from Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1); Rob
Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
Supervisors from the Zoning Committee gave information about this Zoning Report. This Report
was disapproved by the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee. There has been a
history of problems with this property.
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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 Edward W Scheider 6.0-acre parcel (ID# 21910) (Doc # 2017R-568920),
described as a parcel in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼, NE ¼ ), further
described as lying North of U.S. Highway 2, LESS the following described parcel: To find the
point of beginning, commence at the NE corner of said NE ¼ NE ¼; thence South on the Section
Line 186 feet to the North line of the right-of-way of US Highway 2; thence along said North line
of said US Highway 2 Westerly 650 feet to the point of beginning; thence from point of
beginning, 208 feet in a Northerly direction at right angles to said highway right-of-way to a
point; thence Westerly on a line parallel to the right-of-way of said US Highway 2, 208 feet to a
point; thence Southerly 208 feet to the right-of-way of said US Highway 2; thence Easterly along
said US Highway 2 right-of-way to the point of beginning, in Section Twenty-Eight (28),
Township Forty-Seven (47) N, Range Six (6) W, Town of Keystone, Bayfield County, WI.
Petitioning: Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1).
Motion by Strand, Zepczyk to receive and place on file Report No. 2019-18, Petition to amend the
Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Zoning of an Edward Scheider parcel in the
Town of Keystone from Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1). Motion carried.
16. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2019-18; Amendment regarding the Zoning of an Edward
Scheider parcel in the Town of Keystone from Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1);
Rob Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
A rezone request must be acted upon by the full County Board. It cannot be finalized by the
Planning and Zoning Committee. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended this request be
denied.
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:
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The Zoning of Edward W Scheider 6.0-acre parcel (ID# 21910) (Doc # 2017R-568920),
described as a parcel in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼, NE ¼ ), further
described as lying North of U.S. Highway 2, LESS the following described parcel: To find the
point of beginning, commence at the NE corner of said NE ¼ NE ¼; thence South on the Section
Line 186 feet to the North line of the right-of-way of US Highway 2; thence along said North line
of said US Highway 2 Westerly 650 feet to the point of beginning; thence from point of
beginning, 208 feet in a Northerly direction at right angles to said highway right-of-way to a
point; thence Westerly on a line parallel to the right-of-way of said US Highway 2, 208 feet to a
point; thence Southerly 208 feet to the right-of-way of said US Highway 2; thence Easterly along
said US Highway 2 right-of-way to the point of beginning, in Section Twenty-Eight (28),
Township Forty-Seven (47) N, Range Six (6) W, Town of Keystone, Bayfield County, WI.
Petitioning: Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1).
Motion by Rondeau, Strand to approve Ordinance No. 2019-18 to deny the request of the
Amendment regarding the Zoning of an Edward Scheider parcel in the Town of Keystone from
Residential-One (R-1) to Forestry-One (F-1). Motion carried.
17. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-75; Cooperative Law Enforcement Services Agreement;
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Police Department;
This is a yearly agreement between the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Red Cliff Band of
Lake Superior Chippewa Police Department. Red Cliff’s Police Department would receive 100% of
the funds. There have been multiple meetings. This item is estimated to be $50,000. It is determined
by the State based on how many tribes and communities come to an agreement each year.
WHEREAS, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized
Indian Tribe, organized under a Constitution adopted August 25, 1938, and approved on November
9, 1938, pursuant to section 16 of the Indian reorganization Act; and
WHEREAS, the Tribal and Bayfield County Law Enforcement Agencies have had a history of
cooperation in striving to meet the Red Cliff Community’s law enforcement needs; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute 165.90 provides for the establishment of cooperative law
enforcement efforts between County and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies; and
WHEREAS, County and Tribal Law Enforcement Officials have worked together to develop the FY
2016 County-Tribal Law Enforcement (CTLE) Plan and grant application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, does hereby encourage continued cooperation between the
County and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies and approve the 2020 County-Tribal Law
Enforcement Plan and Grant Application.
Motion by Silbert, Gordon to approve Resolution No. 2019-75, Cooperative Law Enforcement
Services Resolution and Agreement. Motion carried.
18. Discussion and Possible Action, Bayfield Wireless Partnership and Tower Agreement for a
State Broadband Grant, Town of Bayview, Washburn and Barksdale; Mike Cariveau;
This agenda item will be revisited on November 12th, 2019 at the next County Board Meeting.
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19. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-77; Participation in the State of Wisconsin Public
Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program; Bayfield County Administrator’s Office
This item was moved up to accommodate a speaker for a later agenda item.
County Administrator Abeles-Allison summarized the considerations, figures, and comparisons of
this potential health insurance change. The possible health insurance change will be further discussed
and examined at the next Personnel Committee meeting on November 7th. Benefits and concerns of
the State of Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program were discussed. The
State of Wisconsin requires this resolution for two reasons: for participation in the State of Wisconsin
Public Employers’ group health insurance plan and in order to request to retain a second group health
plan. Bayfield County’s second group health plan is the Teamster Health Plan. It would continue to
be offered as a separate Health Insurance Plan to Highway Department employees for 2020.
WHEREAS, employee benefits are a critical component of Bayfield County’s employee
compensation package; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has been exploring various options for employee Health Insurance
Coverage for 2020 and into the future; and
WHEREAS, analysis of cost and benefits through the State of Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group
Health Insurance Program appears to meet the needs of employees and the county; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin requires that a “Resolution for Inclusion” be approved by the
County Board authorizing participation; and
WHEREAS, the Teamster Health Plan would continue to be offered as a separate Health Insurance
Plan to Highway Department employees for 2020; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin requires a resolution requesting to retain a second group health
plan; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Personnel Committee will review the State Health Plan
cost/benefit analysis at their meeting on November 7, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County offices need as much time as possible to educate employees on their
benefit options, have employees complete enrollment, and for the payroll related set-up of benefit
premiums and enrollment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 29th day of October 2019, do hereby approve the “Resolution for Inclusion Under the
Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program with a request to retain a second
group health plan” contingent upon the review and approval by the Bayfield County Personnel
Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the date of Certification on the State
of Wisconsin resolution reflect the date that participation is authorized by the Bayfield County
Personnel Committee.
Motion by Strand, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2019-77, Participation in the State of
Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program, subject to the recommendation of
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the Personnel Committee. Motion carried.
20. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2019-76; Providing Loan to Northern Lights Services, Inc.;
This item was delayed in order to wait for the arrival of the Northern Lights Director.
Director Pauline Darling gave an explanation of the $500,000 loan over a 5-year period that Northern
Lights is requesting. The purpose and need for the loan were explained. It will be mostly used to
update the Northern Lights facility. The current and projected finances were explained. November
18th, 2019 is the prospective loan date and on January 1st, 2020 payments would begin. The
Comments were received from County Board Supervisors about the importance of Northern Lights
Nursing Home and the service they provide for Northern Wisconsin families.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of Bayfield County, Wisconsin (the
“County”), as follows:
1. Under Wisconsin Statutes, Section 66.0621, as amended (the “Act”), the Municipality is
authorized and empowered to issue revenue obligations to finance all or any part of the cost of
acquisition, construction, equipping, improving, enlarging, or extending of public utilities, as
defined therein.
2. Under and pursuant to the provisions of Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 59.01 and 59.52(6), the
Municipality is authorized to:
(1) acquire and hold, lease or rent real and personal estate for public uses or purposes, to sell, lease
and convey the same, to make such contracts and to do such other acts as are necessary and proper to
the exercise of the powers and privileges granted and the performance of the legal duties charged
upon it;
(2) acquire, lease or rent property, real and personal, for public uses or purposes of any nature,
including without limitation, acquisitions for county buildings;
(3) direct the clerk to lease, sell or convey or contract to sell or convey any county property, not
donated and required to be held for a special purpose, on terms that the Board approves;
(4) construct, purchase, acquire, lease, develop, improve, extend, equip, operate and maintain all
county buildings, structures and facilities hereinafter in this subsection referred to as “projects,”
including, among others, schools, hospitals, homes for the aged or indigent, regional projects and
including all property, real and personal, pertinent or necessary for such purposes;
(5) finance such projects, including necessary sites, by the issuance of revenue bonds under the Act,
and payable solely from the income, revenues and rentals and fees derived from the operation of the
project financed from the proceeds of the revenue bonds
3. The County has a vested interest in ensuring the continued operation and success of Northern
Lights Services, Inc (“Northern Lights”) for reasons that include, but not limited to the following:
a. The County owns the property that is operated by Northern Lights and Northern Lights pays
the County rent pursuant to a long-term lease.
b. Northern Lights operates the only skilled nursing facility in Bayfield County.
c. Northern Lights employs a significant number of residents.
4. Northern Lights has shown a need for a loan in the amount of $500,000 and has shown that based
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upon its non-profit status and lack of assets, it is unable to obtain a conventional loan without the
assistance of the County. The County has reviewed financing options and has found that using
$500,000 of its reserve funds to be best option to the County and its residents.
5. The County Administrator and County Clerk are hereby authorized to execute all documents
necessary to provide Northern Lights with a loan in the amount of $500,000.00 effective
November 18, 2019 with an interest rate of 2.61% per annum and payable over 60 months.
Motion by Gordon, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2019-76, Providing Loan to Northern
Lights Services. A roll call was taken as follows: Newago-absent, Gordon-yes, Fickbohm-yes,
Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes,
Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Maki-absent. (11-yes, 0-no, 2-absent) Motion carried.
21. 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 Gordon, Crandall to enter Executive/Closed Session at 7:12 p.m. Motion carried with
unanimous vote.
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 on the Red Cliff Zoning Lawsuit with an update from Bayfield County’s
Corporation Counsel. No action was taken.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Crandall, Rondeau to return to Open Session at 7:27 p.m. Motion carried.
22. Bayfield County Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
November 12th, 2019 (Statutory Meeting) - with Public Hearing regarding MMC Bond.
No December 2019 County Board Meeting anticipated at this time. Will schedule if required.
January 28, 2020 & February 25, 2020 – Regularly scheduled meetings.
b) 2020 – 2022 Supervisor Term Compensation discussion;
The last time there was a change in compensation was about 20 years ago. Comparisons were
made with other County Boards throughout the state. A suggestion was made to prepare
Resolution with proposal for compensation for the November 12th County Board meeting.
Comments were received from County Board Supervisors. A recommendation will be brought
to the Executive Committee prior to the County Board meeting.
c) 2020 Census;
A Census 2020 document was reviewed. The Census is reported to be easy, convenient, and
confidential. It can be completed online, as early as March 2020. There are 10 questions, 10
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minutes, every 10 years.
d) CWD Testing and Dumpsters;
A brochure was shared that the Land Water Conversation Department developed.
Contributions, grants, and feedback have been positive for the Chronic Wasting Disease
dumpster program.
e) Health Insurance 2020 Update;
This was discussed previously in the meeting.
f) Superior Days Issues;
Superior Days issues were discussed. The 3 main issues from Bayfield County include: access
to mental health services, EMS services, and Chronic Wasting Disease encouraging further
research, stricter regulations, and statewide adopt-a-dumpster program. Further suggestions
can be contributed.
23. Supervisors’ Reports;
Newspaper articles regarding the Wisconsin Finance Authority were discussed.
24. Future Agenda Items; None identified.
25. Adjournment.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chair
Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/alr