HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 10/27/2020
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Bayfield County Clerk
Scott S. Fibert, County Clerk
Kim Mattson, Accountant Jeran Delaine, Deputy Clerk
Gail M. Reha, Bookkeeper Paige Terry, 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 27th, 2020 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Held Remotely
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair, Fred Strand, Vice-Chair
Steve Sandstrom, Mary Dougherty, Larry Fickbohm, Charly Ray,
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 6:03 p.m. by Bayfield County
Chairman Dennis M. Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk- Scott Fibert, as follows: David
Zepczyk-present; James Crandall-present virtually; Brett Rondeau-present virtually; Steve Sandstrom-
present virtually; Mary Dougherty-present; Larry Fickbohm-present; Charly Ray-absent; Jeremy Oswald-
present virtually; Jeffrey Silbert-present virutally; Dennis Pocernich-present; Fred Strand-present; Thomas
Snilsberg-present; Marty Milanowski-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; Accountant- Kim Mattson virtually; Clerk III- Paige Terry virtually; Michelle
Simone
3. Pledge of Allegiance; The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
4. COVID-19 Report, Bayfield County Health; Michelle Simone, Health Department
Environmental Sanitarian, updated the board regarding the latest COVID-19 updates. 230
positive cases, 63 monitored currently. 200 direct contacts are currently being followed up with.
Due to high demand, test results are taking longer to come back. Health Department staff go
through a lengthy questionnaire with every positive case. Simone informed the board on the
process of contact tracing.
Simone reviewed the activities of the three drive-up flu clinics in Washburn, Drummond, and
Port Wing. Nearly ran out of flue vaccines after Washburn. Ran out of 65 and up vaccine doses.
Simone announced that Bayfield County experienced its second COVID-19 related death on
October 27, 2020. Bayfield County released an advisory dated October 26, 2020 in conjunction
with Ashland County asking individuals to limit gatherings to 25 people or less for the next 14
days. If in enclosed spaces with inability to distance, recommending gatherings of 10 people or
less.
Motion made by Milanowski seconded by Zepczyk to close the meeting as a whole and open up
the public hearing. Roll Call Vote: Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Sandstrom-yes, Dougherty-yes,
Fickbohm-yes, Ray-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes,
Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
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5. 2021 Bayfield County Budget Public Hearing; Abeles-Allison updated the board on previous
meetings that were held by the Executive Committee to discuss the 2021 budget. The budget
publication was placed in the Ashland Daily Press on October 9, 2020. Bayfield County’s 2021
budget is $31,089,911, a 6.48% reduction from previous year. Mill levy request is in the amount
of $11,312,896, a $35,244 (0.3%) reduction from previous year.
Motion made by Crandall seconded by Rondeau to close public hearing and open up the meeting as a whole. Roll Call Vote: Rondeau-yes, Sandstrom-yes, Dougherty-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Ray-
absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes,
Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
6. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt 2021 Budget; Abeles-Allison announced no
modifications to the budget at this time. Modifications were made and are currently included in
the budget. Budget includes Levy containing $1.65 mil short-term borrowing for County
Highway projects.
Motion by Milanowski seconded by Rondeau to adopt 2021 budget. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom-
yes, Dougherty-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Ray-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-
yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes. Motion Carried
12-0, 1 absent.
7. Discussion and Possible Action to Set the 2021 Tax Levy; Abeles-Allison informed the board
that the 2021 Tax Levy is set at $11,312,896.
Motion by Snilsberg seconded by Milanowski to set the 2021 tax levy at $11,312,896. Roll Call
Vote: Dougherty-yes, Fickbohm-yes, Ray-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes,
Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Rondeau-yes, Sandstrom-yes. Motion
Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2020-81; Tax Charge Back: Year of 2018 – Town of
Barnes; Bayfield County Treasurer;
No. 2020-81
Tax Charge Backs:
Year of 2018 – Town of Barnes
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, has examined a report of the Bayfield
County Treasurer setting forth the certain Tax Certificate now owned by Bayfield County. The
legal description for said Tax Certificate is as follows:
Town of Barnes: Tax ID #2937; Parcel in the SE ¼ SE ¼ in 2018R - 572124; Section
28 – Township 45N – Range 9W. Bayfield County purchased said property on 3/1/18.
Bayfield County is tax-exempt. The Face of the Certificate is $141.77; and
WHEREAS, this Tax Certificate is illegal and void in that said Certificate was 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 27th day of October 2020, authorizes that the amount of said illegal and void Tax
Certificate is charged back to the respective towns, cities, or villages where in such lands are
situated as follows: Town of Barnes in the amount of $141.77.
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Motion by Crandall seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution 2020-81. Roll Call Vote:
Fickbohm-yes, Ray-absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes,
Milanowski-yes, Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Sandstrom-yes, Dougherty-yes.
Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
9. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding 2022 Budget Guidance and
Department/Committee direction; Abeles-Allison informed the board that both forestry and
treasurer revenues are down. Operating budget was supplemented with $250,000 in one-time
fund balance savings. Executive Committee discussed and approved directing departments and
committees to consider 2%, 5%, or 7% reduction in 2022 budget. Abeles-Allison is asking that
recommendations come back to the Executive Committee by March, 2021.
Motion by Sandstrom seconded by Silbert to direct departments and committees to submit plans
for levy reductions and revenue increases in 2020 by March of 2021 for consideration for the
2022 budget. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
10. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes from September 29, 2020;
Motion by Milanowski seconded by Zepczyk to approve the minutes from September 29,2020.
Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
11. Public Comment: None
12. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2020-14; Petition to
Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Dean Findley, Town of Port Wing, From
Agricultural 1 (Ag-1) to Forestry 1 (F-1). Robert Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
Motion by Silbert seconded by Rondeau to receive and place on file. Motion Carried 12-0, 1
absent.
13. Bayfield County Ordinance Amendment No. 2020-14; Petition to Change District
Boundaries of a parcel owned by Dean Findley, Town of Port Wing, From Agricultural 1
(Ag-1) to Forestry 1 (F-1). Robert Schierman, Planning and Zoning Director;
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Chairman Pocernich questioned the meaning of changing boundaries. Crandall explained that
the boundaries for parcels would change for the zoning map.
Motion by Rondeau seconded by Silbert to adopt Ordinance Amendment 2020-14. Motion
Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
14. Bayfield County Resolution 2020-82; Request to Amend the Bayfield County Clerk
Election 2020 Budget for Election Cyber Security Grant. Scott Fibert;
No. 2020-82
Request to Amend the Bayfield County
County Clerk Election 2020 Budget
WHEREAS, the security of our elections is a vital part of Bayfield County business; and
WHEREAS, the I.T. department in conjunction with the County Clerk’s Office have been
looking for ways to further secure the counties computer system for the upcoming election and
beyond; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Election Commission along with the Federal Government are
offering a County Election Security Subgrant to help address election security needs; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County I.T. Department along with the County Clerk submitted an
application and L2 risk assessment to the Wisconsin Election commission to receive a county
Election Subgrant; and
WHEREAS, the amount requested for the 2020 budget is $35,000 and $.30 per eligible
voter with remaining funds if any being used for remediation; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Clerk and I.T. have received approval for the Election
Security Subgrant and has received the funds of $38,772; and
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WHEREAS, Please amend the County Clerk’s 2020 Election Budget as follows; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
meeting this August 25, 2020 approve the following budget amendments to reflect the county
Election Security Subgrant by the total amount of $38,772.
Increase revenue account 100-10-43517 (Election budget) by $38,772.00
Increase expense account 100-10-51441-50290 (Election budget) by $38,772.00
Motion by Rondeau seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution 2020-82. Roll Call Vote: Ray-
absent, Oswald-yes, Silbert-yes, Pocernich-yes, Strand-yes, Snilsberg-yes, Milanowski-yes,
Zepczyk-yes, Crandall-yes, Rondeau-yes, Sandstrom-yes, Dougherty-yes, Fickbohm-yes. Motion
Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
15. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Mark Ludeking’s appointment as a Citizen
Member to Department of Human Services Board; Crandall commented that Ludeking is the
only individual to apply for the position, is very qualified, and comes recommended by Human
Services.
Motion by Crandall seconded by Milanowski to confirm the appointment to the Department of
Human Services Board. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
16. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Comments on DNR South Fish Creek Study;
Vice Chairman Strand reported to the board on the status of South Fish Creek being impaired
due to total instream phosphorous concentrations. The Executive and Land Conservation
Committees recommend the board reapprove Bayfield County Ordinance 2018-09 which was
previously approved in May of 2018. In 2018, the DNR did not approve the ordinance. DNR is
now currently working to improve the water quality at South Fish Creek. Executive and Land
Conservation Committees recommend that now is the time to seek the DNR’s approval of
Ordinance 2018-09.
Strand reported one correction for Item 2 of the South Fish Creek comments report would have
to be made. The last sentence of Item 2 currently reads: The requirement to have 540 days of
storage is intended to enable a livestock facility operator involved in predominant forms of
agriculture to store manure through a series of missed spreading windows. The suggested
change reads: The requirement to have 270 days of storage is intended to enable a livestock
facility operator involved in predominant forms of agriculture to store manure through a series of
missed spreading windows.
Motion by Strand seconded by Zepczyk to approve the proposed County’s comments with the one
correction to the last sentence for Item 2 from 540 days to 270 days to the DNR for South Fish
Creek Water Assessment. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
17. Discussion and Possible Action regarding resubmittal to the State of the South Fish Creek
Ordinance regarding animal waste and management storage ordinance, 2018-09;
Motion by Seconded by Sandstrom to approve ordinance 2018-09 and submit ordinance 2018-09
to DNR for its approval.
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Abeles-Allison clarified that ordinance 2018-09 is the last ordinance that has been adopted on
this topic. Ordinance 2018-09 was rejected by DNR at the time of its previous board approval.
Abeles-Allison recommend the board submit the same ordinance from 2018 to the state DNR for
Approval.
Strand corrected motion.
Motion by Strand seconded by Sandstrom to resubmit ordinance 2018-09 to the DNR for its
approval. Motion Carried 12-0, 1 absent.
18. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Coastal Management Grant Application;
Abeles-Allison reported that there currently is no project on the table to be submitted for the
grant. Abeles-Allison informed the board that the grant previously covered the hydro atlas, the
City of Bayfield playground located by the water. Sandstrom commented on a possibility that
the grant be used for coastal education.
No motion was needed.
19. Bayfield County Administrator’s Report:
a) Bayfield County Forestry Recognition by WI-SAF - Abeles-Allison informed the Board that
Jason Bodine is currently working on a resolution for the recognition of the Forestry department.
Recommends that the resolution be presented at the next board meeting. Abeles-Allison read a
brief summary that Jason Bodine, head of the Forestry department, had given at the previous
Forestry Committee meeting.
b) Input on Community Development Block Grant – CV, intent to apply. - Abeles-Allison informed
the board on the criteria of the Community Development Block Grant-CV. Informed the Board
on a variety of projects that are covered by the grant. Abeles-Allison recommended that a
coordinated meal and food pantry project as a possibility.
c) Jail Project update- Abeles-Allison reported that the project continues to move forward. One
padded cell that is in progress.
d) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
The following meetings are planned:
✓ November 10, 2020
✓ No meeting planned in December unless needed.
20. Supervisors’ Reports;
a) Crandall Reported that the highway committee, highway M project, has a verbal approval
to complete project. No word on Highway E. Highway Committee will cancel
November meeting.
b) Silbert reported positive results for Chequamegon Bay Regional Housing Group. Survey
has been completed and will be mailed out. Have been accepted to be a pilot community
to assist with grant funding.
c) Fickbohm reported on discussion from the previous Sheriff’s Committee meeting
regarding an incident that occurred between an officer and a citizen.
d) Oswald commented on the public opinion viewing the board as frowning upon county
employees working remotely.
e) Chairman Pocernich stated that the board has previously approved the purchase of 40
additional laptops to enable county employees to work remotely. Abeles-Allison
corrected Pocernich, stating that 20 additional laptops were authorized. Abeles-Allison
commented that, with this equipment, 50% of county employees can work from home.
21. Adjournment;
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Scott S. Fibert
Scott S. Fibert, Bayfield County Clerk
SSF/pat