HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 4/20/2021
1
Bayfield County Clerk
Lynn M. Divine, 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: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Minutes of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
April 20th, 2021 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI
& Remotely
The meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Bayfield
County Chairman Dennis M. Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk- Lynn Divine, as follows:
Mary Dougherty-present; Charly Ray-present virtually; Jeff Silbert-present; Brett Rondeau-present; Steve
Sandstrom-present; Larry Fickbohm-present; Jeremy Oswald-present; Tom Snilsberg-present; Fred Strand-
present; David Zepczyk-present; Marty Milanowski-present virtually; Jim Crandall-present; Dennis
Pocernich-present. Total: 13 present, 0 absent. A quorum was present to conduct business.
The following were also present for today’s meeting: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison; County
Clerk- Lynn Divine; Health Director-Sara Wartman virtually; Clerk III- Paige Terry virtually
3. Pledge of Allegiance; The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
4. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes from March 30th, 2021;
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Rondeau to approve the minutes from March 30, 2021.
Motion Carried, 13-0.
5. Public Comment; None.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-37;
2021-37
Recognizing Washburn Girls Volleyball State Championship
WHEREAS, the Washburn Castle Guards Volleyball Program has had decades of success and is one of
the premiere high school volleyball programs in Northern Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, the Washburn Castle Guards Volleyball Program has produced numerous athletes who
competed and played college volleyball; and,
WHEREAS, the Washburn Castle Guards Volleyball Program has won more Conference
Championships and WIAA Regional Championships than any other northern school; and,
WHEREAS, the 2021 Washburn Castle Guards State Volleyball Championship is the second State Title
in Girls Volleyball in school history and one of the few teams in Wisconsin sports history to be
undefeated.
2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April 2021, recognizes, commends and congratulates the Washburn High School 2021
Girls Volleyball Team for winning the State Championship; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors thanks county officials
and staff who assisted the team in accomplishing this feat.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Resolution No. 2021-37; Recognizing
Washburn Girls Volleyball State Championship. Motion Carried, 13-0.
7. COVID-19 Health Update;
Sara Wartman gave an update regarding the total COVID-19 cases in Bayfield County and the
trend of positive cases. Approximately 53.2% of Bayfield County residents have received at least
one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and an estimated 43.3% of the Bayfield County population has completed the COVID-19 vaccine series. Wartman reviewed the recent halt in distributing
the Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine due to reports finding that 6 recipients of the vaccine
had developed blood clots.
Discussion continued regarding COVID-19 symptoms experienced by vaccinated individuals.
Pocernich questioned if the Health Department would be planning on continuing the Johnson and
Johnson vaccine distribution when the okay is given. Wartman replied that the department does
have the intention to use the Johnson and Johnson vaccines they have once it is deemed okay to
do so.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-31;
2021-31
Bayfield County Face Covering Advisory
WHEREAS, Bayfield County remains in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, following best practices during the pandemic including limiting in-person gatherings,
washing hands, physical distancing and wearing face masks is the best way to decrease the number of
COVID-19 patients needing hospitalization; and,
WHEREAS, COVID-19 vaccinations continue across the state, it will be a while before 80% of the
general population is vaccinated and some degree of herd immunity is achieved; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Public Health has recommended the use of face masks, physical
distancing and hand washing throughout the pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is currently at approximately 50% of the population with a first dose of
vaccine.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April 2021, issue a strong recommendation and Advisory that every individual, five
years and older, should wear a face covering or mask when in any enclosed building where other people,
3
except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, could be present, and when social
distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained or guaranteed; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this advisory remain in effect for 60 days.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Strand to adopt Resolution No. 2021-31; Bayfield County Face
Covering advisory. Motion Carried, 11-2.
9. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-32;
2021-32
Retirement of Cheryl Hanson
WHEREAS, Cheryl Hanson has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
Human Services Department for nearly 13 years,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April, 2021, honors Cheryl Hanson for her 13 years of public service to Bayfield County
and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution No. 2021-32; In Recognition
and Appreciation of Cheryl Hanson for 13 years of commitment and service in the Bayfield
County Human Services Office. Motion Carried, 13-0.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-33;
Chairman Pocernich skipped Resolution No. 2021-33 and asked that it be forwarded to the next
meeting.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-34;
2021-34
Amending the 2020-2024 Bayfield County Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2020 (Resolution 2020-25), the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
approved the 2020-2024 Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (hereafter, Plan);
and,
WHEREAS, the Plan outlines current and future outdoor recreation facility needs of Bayfield County
that can be adequately maintained and/or developed; and,
WHEREAS, occasionally, the Plan will be updated to account for changes and/or modifications in
outdoor recreation planning and/or facility needs; and,
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Department is charged with maintaining the Plan; and,
WHEREAS, requests have been made to make the following amendments/updates to the Plan:
4
1. North Pikes Creek Wetlands Conservation Area and the Beaver Hollow Outdoor Education Area
(see Exhibit A).
2. Across the Pond Veterans Park (see Exhibit B).
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2021 the Forestry and Parks Committee approved amending the Plan to
include the items listed above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April 2021, hereby formally approve the above described amendments to the 2020-2024
Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Resolution No. 2021-34; Amending the 2020-
2024 Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Motion Carried, 13-0.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-35;
2021-35
Approval of Public Participation Plan for Bayfield County
Comprehensive Plan 2020-2030
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has decided to prepare a comprehensive plan update under the authority
of and procedures established by Section 66.1001(4), Wis Stats; and,
WHEREAS, Section 66.1001(4)(a), Wis. Stats, requires that the governing body of the local
governmental unit adopt written procedures designed to foster public participation at every stage of
comprehensive plan preparation, and that such written procedures shall provide for wide distribution of
draft plan materials, and a process for the governing body to respond to such comments; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County believes that regular, meaningful public involvement in the
comprehensive plan process is important to assure that the resulting plan meets the wishes and
expectations of the public; and,
WHEREAS, the attached Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan Update Public Participation Plan
includes written procedures to foster public participation, ensure wide distribution of draft plan material,
provide opportunities for written comments on such materials, and provide mechanisms to respond to
such comments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April 2021, hereby adopts the written procedures included in the attached Bayfield
County Comprehensive Plan Update Public Participation Plan as its public participation procedures
meeting the requirements of Section 66.1001(4)(a), Wis. Stats, for its current comprehensive plan update
efforts.
Sandstrom questioned if a committee would be formed to work on the comprehensive plan
update. Abeles-Allison answered that a special committee would typically be formed to work on
updating the plan.
5
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to adopt Resolution No. 2021-35; Approval of the
Public Participation Plan for Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan 2020-2030. Motion Carried,
13-0.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-36;
2021-36
Energy Innovations Grant Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, Bayfield County applied for and was awarded an Energy Innovations Grant through the
Wisconsin Public Service Commission; and,
WHEREAS, funds would be used to update hot water solar equipment servicing the jail, adding
approximately 21 kw of Solar PV, master metering the courthouse and jail complexes and installing a
battery storage device; and,
WHEREAS, grant deliverables would improve resilience and reliability during power outages, generate
energy savings, produce additional renewable energy and upgrade existing solar hot water exchangers,
tank liner and pump; and,
WHEREAS, the project would allow both buildings to run off of a single generator in a more efficient
and cost effective manner; and,
WHEREAS, approximately 52% or $273,714 of total project costs ($527,884) will be covered by the
grant; and,
WHEREAS, approximately $14,646 of personnel costs are donated time of muGrid Analytics, Madison
Solar Consulting, and Cheq Bay Renewables, $13,100 of personnel costs are Bayfield County staff time,
and remaining County costs of $201,425 will be recovered over time through energy savings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 20th day of April 2021, accepts the Wisconsin PSC EIGP Grant and authorizes a budget amendment
utilizing fund balances to pay the County share with cost savings to replenish the fund over the next 20
years; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the following line-item adjustments be made to the 2021 budget:
Revenue:
Generator Project Grant Increase 430-14-43921 $273,714
Fund Balance Applied Increase 100-00-49301 $201,425
Transfer from other funds Increase 430-70-49201 $201,425
Expense:
CI-Generator Project Increase 430-70-57100-50820-007 $500,139
Capital Improvements Decrease 430-14-57100-50820 ($ 25,000)
Transfer to CIP Increase 100-00-59430-50820 $201,425
Total REVENUE AND EXPENSE: $676,564
6
Bill Bailey, Cheq Bay Renewables, gave a presentation regarding the Energy Innovation Grant
Project that involve combining the Bayfield County Courthouse and Jail (Annex Building) into
one Micro-Grid.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2021-36; Energy Grant
Budget Amendment. Roll Call Vote: Ray-yes; Silbert-yes; Sandstrom-yes; Milanowski-yes;
Zepczyk-yes; Dougherty-yes; Oswald-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Rondeau-yes; Strand-yes Snilsberg-yes;
Crandall-yes; Pocernich-yes. Motion Carried, 13-0.
14. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Bayfield County Community Projects Submittals;
Abeles-Allison reviewed four community projects that have been submitted for approval:
Northern Lights Health Care Community Project – Abeles-Allison stated the project would
consist of two separate components; the rehabilitation of the existing structure and the addition of
a new assisted living facility. Silbert explained that the Northern Lights Health Board has not yet
made a decision on the approval or disapproval of the project. Abeles-Allison informed the board
that the overall approval of the project would be contingent on the Northern Lights Health
Board’s approval.
County Highway N, Flood Damage Restoration – Abeles-Allison informed the board that the
Bayfield County Highway Department has contracted with an engineer to work on elevation
designs for County Highway N that would raise the road approximately 4 feet. Crandall stated
that County Highway N is an important road in terms of traveling from East to West purposes.
County Forest COVID-19 Mitigation Outdoor Recreation – Abeles-Allison explained that a
number of projects have been proposed with a 24-month timeline. The projects would aim to
create additional outdoor recreational opportunities (i.e. outdoor toilets, fix trail, campground
improvements).
Red Cliff Land Repatriation – Abeles-Allison informed the board that Bayfield County
currently owns approximately 1,200 acres of land within the Red Cliff Tribal Reservation.
Should Bayfield County receive enough funds from the Federal Government, the County would
deed all of the land back to the Red Cliff Tribe. Silbert proposed two language corrections be
made to the Red Cliff Land Repatriation project document:
-In the fifth paragraph, modifying the sentence “Bayfield County and Red Cliff have worked
collaboratively over the past 5 years to return over 400 acres to the Tribe including lands
currently serving as the first Tribal National Park” to read: “Bayfield County and Red Cliff have
worked collaboratively over the past 5 years to return over 400 acres to the Tribe included lands
currently in conservation management.”
-In the fifth paragraph, modifying the sentence “Frog Bay Tribal National Park sits on 180 acres
of land on the shores of Lake Superior” to read: “Frog Bay Tribal National Park sits on 295 acres
of land on the shores of Lake Superior.”
Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to approve the four Community Projects as presented.
Motion Carried, 13-0.
15. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Bayfield County Procurement Policy;
Abeles-Allison explained to the board that the previously applied for Community Development
Block Grant requires Bayfield County to have a procurement policy in place and gave a brief
overview of the newly drafted policy. Abeles-Allison explained that the procurement policy will
be a living document that will be able to be modified in the future if need be.
7:01p.m. – Milanowski left the meeting.
7
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to approve the Bayfield County Procurement Policy.
Motion Carried, 12-0. 1 Absent.
16. Reports:
a) Remote / In Person Meeting Discussion; Abeles-Allison informed the board that the County
committees have been meeting in a variety of ways; virtual, in-person, or a combination of the
two. Abeles-Allison stated that he wanted to double check with the board that all the supervisors
were comfortable with these formats. No objections were brought forward by the board.
b) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. May 25, 2021: Budget Meeting at 4:30 & Monthly Meeting at 6:00
b. June 29, 2021
c. July 27, 2021
c) American Recovery Act review; Abeles-Allison reported that half of the funds to be
distributed through the American Recovery Act are anticipated to be distributed near May 11,
2021. Dougherty questioned what position the County is currently at in terms of the
development of projects and when negotiations would be taking place. Abeles-Allison stated
that only the ideas have been put out, but there have been no steps taken towards moving
forward. d) CDBG-CV; Abeles-Allison reported that the process of developing the projects for the CDBG-
CV Grant continues to move forward and stated that notices may begin to be sent out to
individuals the following week. Abeles-Allison noted that he and Sheldon Johnson with the
Northwest Regional Planning Commission are considering expanding the monetary cap for each
application to $10,000 from $5,000 in fear there may not be enough applicants otherwise.
e) Youth Local Government Scholarships; Abeles-Allison reported only one individual, Drew
Tuttle from Drummond, has applied for the 2021 Youth Local Government Scholarship.
f) 2021 WCA Conference in LaCrosse; Divine informed the board that room reservations for the
conference open up May 3, 2021. Abeles-Allison added that, at the time when registration
opens, staff would be working towards making the proper reservations.
g) WCA Resolutions due June 28; Resolutions will need to be approved May 25. Abeles-Allison
reviewed example resolutions that had been used in the past as potential ideas for resolution
ideas for 2021.
h) Legislative Updates; Abeles-Allison reviewed a letter that was drafted to the Wisconsin Joint
Finance Committee regarding legislative language changes for repatriating land back to the tribe,
more specifically In-Rem tax parcels.
i) Save to Give Energy Program Update; Abeles-Allison gave a summary of the Save to Give
Energy Program.
17. Supervisors’ Reports;
Rondeau reported he recently went on a tour of the Great Divide Ambulance Services facility and
was impressed with the on-site facilities.
Strand reported forestry and timber sales for the first quarter of the year are higher than predicted.
The semi-annual timber sale bid opening will occur in May, which will paint a better picture for
the future revenue of the Forestry Department.
Oswald reported that the Sheriff’s Committee recently took a tour of the Bayfield County Jail and
was able to view the expansion and remodeling that had recently been completed. Jail staff
appear happy with the changes. Oswald informed the board that new Emergency Management
Director Meagan Quaderer is in the process of following up on a power outage that resulted in the
outage of 911 services to four separate areas in Bayfield County. The outage was a result of a
generator running out of fuel after a previous power outage. Oswald explained that the processes
of transferring addresses from the Emergency Management Department to the Land Records
Department is ongoing.
8
18. Adjournment;
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield county Board of Supervisors,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
Sincerely,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat