HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 1/28/2020
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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
January 28th, 2020 6:00 p.m.
Bayfield County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair, Fred Strand, Vice-Chair
George Newago, Thomas Gordon, Larry Fickbohm, Harold Maki,
Jeremy Oswald, Jeffrey Silbert, Thomas Snilsberg, Marty Milanowski,
David Zepczyk, James Crandall, Brett Rondeau
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- present; Jeremy
Oswald- present (via telephone); 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: 12 present, 1 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. Public Comment:
Sandra (Sandy) Raspotnik introduced herself. She is a District 4 candidate for Bayfield County
Board Supervisor. Raspotnik is from the Town of Washburn and serves as the Town Chair in the
Town of Washburn. She works in the field of education and became interested in running for local
office in part because of her family’s history and experience in political office.
5. Motion Regarding the Minutes of the November 12th, 2019 Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors’ Meeting;
Motion by Rondeau, Milanowski to approve the Minutes of the November 12th, 2019 Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. No additions or corrections. Motion carried.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-01; Recognizing Dennis Mika for 19 years of dedication
and service in the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department;
The Resolution was read by County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison. The plaque was presented
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to Sheriff Susienka in recognition of Dennis Mika for his service.
WHEREAS, Dennis Mika has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
Sheriff’s Office for over 19 years,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 28th day of January 2020, honors Dennis Mika for his over 19 years of public
service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years
ahead.
Motion by Gordon, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2020-01, Recognizing Dennis Mika for
19 years of dedication and service in the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department. Motion carried.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-02; Recognizing Captain Roy Hitchcock for 24 years of
dedication and service to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department;
The agenda states that Roy Hitchcock is being recognized for 30 years of service. This amount was
corrected to 24 years.
The Resolution was read by Supervisor Silbert and an award was presented to Captain Roy
Hitchcock, thanking him for his service.
WHEREAS, Roy Hitchcock led the Bayfield County Reserve Unit from 1999 until recently, and
WHEREAS, Roy Hitchcock has provided this leadership with the highest of professional, ethical,
and moral standards, along with excellent communication, experience and knowledge and
facilitated a collaborative team spirit, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, on this day 28th day of January 2020 the Bayfield
County Board expresses their sincere appreciation, recognition, and gratitude to Roy Hitchcock for
his distinguished service.
Motion by Maki, Silbert to approve Resolution No. 2020-02, Recognizing Captain Roy Hitchcock
for 24 years of dedication and service to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department. Motion
carried.
8. Presentation: Mike BeBeau, Manager - Xcel Energy, Solar Connect, Founding Member;
Mike BeBeau from Xcel Energy presented an award recognizing Bayfield County as a founding
member of Solar Connect. The three solar gardens in the State have been completely filled. They
are located near Eau Claire, LaCrosse, and Ashland. Bayfield County subscribed to 19% of the
solar garden in Ashland.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-03; Sale of Land to Across the Pond Veterans Park and
Withdrawal from County Forest Law; Department of Forestry & Parks;
This item will be brought forward to a future agenda. The month is not determined at this time.
10. Department of Forestry & Parks 2020 Annual Work Plan; Jason Bodine, Forestry & Parks
Director;
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This plan has been approved and recommended by the Forestry & Parks Committee. The plan helps
Bayfield County to secure the County Forest Administrator grant and other grants. Forestry &
Parks Director Jason Bodine gave information about the Executive Summary. Bodine reported that
the last Forest Certificate Audit went very well and that Bayfield County’s certificate was renewed
for another five years. No corrective action, minor or major, was recommended. Questions and
comments were received. It is required per State Statute to receive County Board approval of this
Forestry & Parks Annual Work Plan in order to receive the County Forest Administrator Grant.
Motion by Strand, Maki to approve the 2020 Forestry & Parks Annual Work Plan. Motion
carried.
11. Report from the Cervid Study Committee regarding Chronic Wasting Disease;
Land & Water Conservation Director Ben Dufford provided an overview of the Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD) efforts. He reported that Bayfield County remains CWD free. Of 189 heads tested
in Bayfield County this year, zero showed signs of CWD. Two additional interns worked with
Bayfield County on this project. Educational materials and information were released to area
businesses and through social media, newspapers, and radio. Dufford reported about the CWD
dumpster usage and locations. He also informed that deer harvest this year was down 43%.
Continuation of this program will depend on Department of Natural Resources funding. Oneida
County had two positive cases. Questions were received from County Board Supervisors. The Land
& Water Conservation Department, the County Administrator, and other contributing Departments
were recognized for their work and success in this pilot program.
Motion by Rondeau, Maki to receive and place on file the report from the Cervid Study
Committee regarding Chronic Wasting disease. Motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-04; Ten-year Bayfield County Land and Water
Resource Management Plan; Land & Water Conservation Department;
Land & Water Conservation Director Dufford provided an overview of the Ten-year Bayfield
County Land & Water Resource Management Plan. This plan was reviewed and recommended for
approval by the Land & Water Conservation Committee. The Wisconsin Land & Water
Conservation Board also reviewed and recommended this plan.
WHEREAS, Chapter 92.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes requires that all counties in the state of
Wisconsin develop a Land and Water Resource Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Conservation Committee hosted three public input
sessions, contacted representatives of partnering NGOs, (hosted meeting(s) open to the public), and
held one public hearing to explain the plan process, solicit public opinion, and to solicit
participation in the revision of the Land and Water Resource Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Conservation Committee formed a volunteer workgroup to
draft a county-wide AIS Strategic Plan with the goals, objectives, and activities to address aquatic
invasive species control, education, and prevention incorporated into this LWRMP; and
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WHEREAS, the resulting LWRMP identifies land and water resource management goals,
objectives, and activities for implementation by the Bayfield County Land Conservation Committee
and the LWCD staff for the next ten years, including a work plan revision after 5 years; and
WHEREAS, at their November 8th, 2019 meeting, the Bayfield County Land Conservation
Committee approved the Land and Water Resource Management Plan and forwarded the approved
plan to the Bayfield County Board for their review and action; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land Conservation Committee staff presented the revised Land
and Water Resource Management Plan to the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board, at
their meeting on December 3, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land and Water Resource Management Plan was reviewed and
approved by the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board at their meeting on December 3,
2019:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, does
approve the Bayfield County Land and Water Resource Management Plan to be implemented for
the period January 2020 through December 2029, with a work plan review and update in 2024.
Motion by Strand, Milanowski to approve Resolution No. 2020-04, Ten-year Bayfield County
Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-05; Request to amend the 2020 Budget for funds
received from the DNR Clough Island Project Grant and Cost-Share Funds from DATCP
Reserve; Land & Water Conversation Department;
These additional grants for the Land & Water Conservation Department were received after the
2020 budget was approved. The grants were received from the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) and also from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Department requests that their
2020 budget be amended as follows to reflect grant funding modifications;
WHEREAS, the Land & Water Conservation was awarded a new DNR Clough Island Project
(NWCMA) grant in 2020 and after the 2020 budget was submitted.
WHEREAS, the Land & Water Conservation was awarded an additional $76,500.00 Cost-Share
Funds from DATCP Reserve after the 2020 budget was submitted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
meeting this January 28th, 2020, approve the following budget amendments to reflect
modifications to the grant, cost-share and/or cooperative agreements.
Increase revenue account 100-28-43271-100 (Clough Island Project) by: $4,995.00
Increase expense account 100-28-56109-50290 Contractual (Clough Island Project): $4,995.00
Increase revenue account 100-28-43589 (DATCP-LWRM (Cost-Share/Bond) by: $76,500.00
Increase expense account 100-28-56101-50291 (LWCD-DATCP Cost-Share/Bond) by: $76,500.00
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Motion by Rondeau, Gordon to approve Resolution No. 2020-05, Request to amend the 2020
Budget for funds received from the DNR Clough Island Project Grant and Cost-Share Funds
from DATCP Reserve. 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-yes. (12-yes, 0-no, 1-absent) Motion carried.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-06; SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration) Grant; Criminal Justice Department;
Bayfield County has an extensive Criminal Justice Program. This Resolution is in support of the
application for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant.
This grant would help expand the Criminal Justice Program and would focus on housing,
transportation, and professional employee costs.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County works proactively with inmates and the circuit court to reduce
recidivism of individuals with substance abuse and mental health needs; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Community Health Plan has identified both substance and
alcohol use as top priority areas to focus on; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Treatment Court has a well-established history of providing
alternatives to incarceration
WHEREAS, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has funding
available for a period five years for the purpose of enhancing treatment courts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 28th day of January 2020, do hereby authorize Bayfield County Criminal Justice to
apply for a SAMHSA grant to provide enhanced treatment court services.
Motion by Gordon, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2020-06, authorizing the Criminal
Justice Department to apply for the SAMHSA Grant. Motion carried with one opposed.
15. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-07; Rural Development Disaster Grant Application for
Highway Repair; Highway Department;
This USDA Community Facility Disaster Assistance Program grant was described as very
competitive. If received, the funding would be applied to Pigeon Lake and County Highway N.
WHEREAS, severe flooding of Pigeon Lake over the past 24 months has caused water levels to
rise along County Highway N; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department has spent close to $1,000,000 during this
time making emergency repairs and maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County provided data regarding flooding damage to the USDA in late 2019;
and
WHEREAS, The USDA, through the Community Facility Disaster Assistance Program allocated
funding to help communities rebuild from natural disasters; and
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WHEREAS, Bayfield County could qualify for up to 35% of grant funds for needed projects; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County estimates that another four-foot lift will be needed in the Spring /
Summer of 2020 at a cost of approximately $452,555; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 28th day of January 2020, do hereby authorize the County Highway Department to
apply for USDA Community Facility Disaster Assistance Program funds for the Pigeon Lake /
County Highway N Highway Repair Project.
Motion by Rondeau, Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2020-07, authorizing the Highway
Department to apply for the Rural Development Disaster Grant for highway repair. Motion
carried.
16. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-08; Enhanced 911 Grant; Emergency Management
Department;
Sheriff Susienka and Emergency Management Coordinator Jan Victorson provided an overview on
this Next Generation 911 Upgrade grant. Upgrades need to be made to the 911 system. There would
be technology upgrades as well. This Resolution is a commitment from Bayfield County to
contribute 40% local cost share. The estimated cost for Bayfield County would be around $50,000.
WHEREAS, modernizing Wisconsin’s 911 system has been a priority for local governments,
Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), law enforcement, and the telecommunications industry
since the early 2000s; and
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin announced a Next Gen 911 grant available to qualifying
Public Service Answering Points across the state; and
WHEREAS, a NG911 system utilizes advancements in technology to improve communication
with 911 operators and provides greater efficiency in assisting individuals in crisis; and
WHEREAS, currently Bayfield County is NOT Next Gen 911 capable; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County system has an end of life in 2021 and will no longer be
supported; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office has explored Next Gen Enhancements to the
existing PSAP and has recommended application for a Next Gen 911 Grant; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is located in a very rural area with limited cell coverage making
Next Gen 911 features such text to 911 very attractive; and
WHEREAS, the county understands that the Next Gen 911 grant has a 40% local cost share; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
assembled this 28th day of January 2020, do hereby authorize the County to apply for a Next Gen
911 Grant and commits funds toward the County match; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
County Supervisors thanks the Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications for administering
this grant funding for Wisconsin communities.
Motion by Fickbohm, Rondeau to approve Resolution No. 2020-08, in support of the Enhanced
911 Grant. 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-yes. (12-yes, 0-no, 1-absent) Motion carried.
17. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Bayfield County changing to the IRS mileage rate
retroactive to January 1st, 2020;
This motion is a wording change to allow the Bayfield County mileage rate to change to the IRS
mileage rate from the previously approved 58 cent mileage rate.
Motion by Gordon, Rondeau to approve the change to the IRS mileage rate, retroactive January
1st, 2020. 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-yes. (12-yes, 0-no, 1-absent) Motion carried.
18. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the 2020 Emergency Fire Warden Organization list;
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;
The 2020 Emergency Fire Warden Organization list is an annual requirement and was submitted to
Bayfield County from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Motion by Rondeau, Crandall to approve the 2020 Emergency Fire Warden Organization List.
Motion carried.
19. Appointment to the Tahkodah Lake District Board of Commissioners;
Supervisor Jim Crandall was appointed to the Tahkodah Lake District Board of Commissioners.
Motion by Rondeau, Fickbohm to approve the appointment of Supervisor Jim Crandall to the
Tahkodah Lake District Board of Commissioners. Motion carried.
Supervisor Jeremy Oswald departed via telephone prior to Executive/Closed Session.
20. The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors may entertain a motion to move in and out of
Executive/Closed Session pursuant to: §19.85(1)(c), Considering employment, promotion,
compensation or performance valuation data of any public employee over which the
governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.
§19.85(1)(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.
Motion by Rondeau, Milanowski to enter Executive/Closed Session at 7:11 p.m. Motion carried
with unanimous vote.
The following were allowed to remain in Executive/Closed Session: Corporation Counsel- John
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Carlson; Attorney- Michael Modl via telephone; County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison;
County Clerk- Scott Fibert; Clerk III- Allison Radke.
Discussion took place regarding the Red Cliff Zoning Lawsuit and the Bayfield County
Administrator’s Evaluation.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Rondeau, Milanowski to return to Open Session at 8:07 p.m. Motion carried.
21. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2020-01; Petition to
amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Zoning of Bonney – Bayfield
Properties, LLC parcel in the Town of Russell from Agricultural-One (Ag-1) to Commercial;
Rob Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
The motion is to receive and place on file this Report that was discussed in the November 21st, 2019
Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.
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 Bonney – Bayfield Properties, LLC, owner and Todd Bonney, agent 4.5-acre
parcel in a shoreland (ID# #29514), described as that part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast
Quarter (NE ¼ NE ¼), lying North of Hwy 13 in V. 895 P. 697, Section 36, Township 51 North,
Range 4 West, Town of Russell, Bayfield County, WI from Ag-1 to Commercial.
(* 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 Rondeau, Milanowski to receive and place on file Report No. 2020-01. Motion carried
with one opposed.
22. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2020-01; Amendment regarding the Zoning of Bonney –
Bayfield Properties, LLC parcel in the Town of Russell from Agricultural-One (Ag-1) to
Commercial; Rob Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
Due to the Zoning litigation involving the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the
Bayfield County Board discussed returning this Amendatory Ordinance to the Planning & Zoning
Committee.
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:
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 Bonney – Bayfield Properties, LLC, owner and Todd Bonney, agent 4.5-acre
parcel in a shoreland (ID# #29514), described as that part of the Northeast Quarter of the
Northeast Quarter (NE ¼ NE ¼), lying North of Hwy 13 in V. 895 P. 697, Section 36, Township
51 North, Range 4 West, Town of Russell, Bayfield County, WI from Ag-1 to Commercial.
(* 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 Strand, Rondeau to refer Amendatory Ordinance No. 2020-01 back to the Planning &
Zoning Committee and then to return to the County Board for enactment or rejection. Motion
carried with one opposed.
23. Bayfield County Administrator’s Report:
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
✓ February 25th, 2020 – Regularly scheduled meeting
✓ March 31st, 2020 – Regularly scheduled meeting
✓ April 21st, 2020 – Statutory meeting - Reorganization meeting with swearing in.
b) 2020 Census; Materials will start arriving in March. County Board Supervisors are being asked
to spread the word in their communities. It can be completed electronically or in paper format.
c) Superior Days Issues; The conference will be held on February 11th and 12th. Topics of local
interest were highlighted.
d) Lighthouse Services; Lighthouse Services is a company Bayfield Company contracts with. It is
an anonymous whistleblower service. This system can help to alert regarding fraud and ethics
violations.
e) Letter from Senator Tammy Baldwin; Bayfield County Board of Supervisors received a letter
in response from Senator Baldwin. The letter was recognized.
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f) Northern Lights Finance Report; A report will be provided next month.
g) January 20th, 2020 Inservice Day; An overview was provided of the 1st Bayfield County
Inservice Day. Highlights and photos were shared.
24. Supervisors’ Reports;
Positive reports were received regarding Northern Lights Services Inc.
The Vaughn Library is in the discussion stage of a $4 million building project.
County Clerk Fibert gave a brief review of the February 18th, 2020 ballot.
25. Future Agenda Items; None identified.
26. Adjournment.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chair
Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/alr