HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 6/29/2021
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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
June 29th, 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 6:00 p.m. by Bayfield
County Chairman Dennis M. Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk- Lynn Divine, as follows:
Steve Sandstrom-present; Mary Dougherty-present; Larry Fickbohm-present; Charly Ray-present; Jeremy
Oswald-present; Jeff Silbert-present; Brett Rondeau-present; Fred Strand-present; Tom Snilsberg-present;
Marty Milanowski-present; David Zepczyk-present; 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 M. Divine; Child Support Director-Jennifer Jones virtually; Health Director-Sara Wartman
virtually; Clerk of Court-Kay Cederberg; UW-Extension Area 1 Director-Mary Pardee; By the Bay Realty
& Auction Broker/Owner-Rick Nettleton; By the Bay Realty & Auction Agent-Kevin Porter; 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 May 25th, 2021:
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Rondeau to approve the minutes from May 25, 2021.
Motion Carried, 13-0.
5. Public Comment: None.
6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-50:
2021-50
Recognizing Bayfield County Child Support for Receiving the Federal
Fiscal Year 2020 Certificate of Outstanding Achievement Award
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Child Support Agency has demonstrated outstanding achievement in
three performance measures: Paternity Establishment, Court Order Establishment, and current Support
Collections; and,
WHEREAS, the benchmarks for the three performance measures are:
• Paternity Establishment Rate: 90% or greater
• Court Order Establishment Rate: 80% and a 0.5% increase compared to FFY 2019
• Collection Rate on Current Support: any % increase compared to FFY 2019; and,
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WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Child Support Agency is one out of eight agencies being honored to
receive the Federal Fiscal Year 2020 Certificate of Outstanding Achievement Award.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of June 2021, recognizes, commends and congratulates the Bayfield County Child Support
Agency on this incredible accomplishment; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors thanks the Child
Support staff for a job well done.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2021-50 Recognizing
Bayfield County Child Support for Receiving the Federal Fiscal Year 2020 Certificate of
Outstanding Achievement Award. Motion Carried, 13-0.
7. Presentation, Real Estate Auction Plan:
Abeles-Allison gave a brief history on Bayfield County’s past property auction practices. Rick
Nettleton, with By the Bay Realty & Auction, gave a brief description of his auctioneer
qualifications and explained that most people look for property auctions through realtors and
realty agencies. Nettleton explained that his agency uses an online national website known as
Auction Flex that allows easy access for individuals looking for properties that the County would
be wanting to sell and would allow interested parties to purchase the property before it went up
for auction. Kevin Porter reviewed the agency’s process for preparing a property to be put up for
sale and/or auction. Divine interjected, stating that Bayfield County is not allowed to sell a
property before the bid closing date or auction date. Nettleton questioned if the deadlines also
apply to tax delinquent properties. Divine clarified that Bayfield County utilizes the in-rem tax
delinquent process which requires Bayfield County to put the properties up for public auction.
Silbert questioned on the fee that Nettleton would be looking to charge the County. Nettleton
explained that the fee would originally depend on the amount of advertising that the County
would want for a property with most of the costs and commission dependent on the idea that the
properties could be sold before going to auction. Nettleton estimated a potential commission
cost of 7% per property placed for auction, with the fee only applying to those properties that
sell.
Discussion continued regarding the average amount of parcels that go up for auction on an
annual basis and the process that Bayfield County follows to put parcels up for auction. Nettleton
reviewed the differences between choosing Bay Realty over Wisconsin Surplus.
8. Public Health Update:
Wartman reported that Bayfield County is experiencing an average of one new COVD-19 case
per week. Approximate 62% of the Bayfield County population has received their first dose of
the vaccine but demand for the vaccine continues to decline. Wartman reported that the Delta
Variant of COVID-19 is circulating throughout the state. Wartman continued, explaining that
non-COVID illnesses are on the rise throughout the community.
Discussion continued regarding the benefits of vaccinating against the disease, particularly for
younger individuals.
9. Health Department Annual Report 2020:
Health Department Director Sara Wartman presented the 2020 annual report which included a
list of programs that had to be set aside due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an explanation of
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how frequently the public health staff and department had to adapt to the pandemic. Many
programs had to be set aside due to covid. Silbert asked how the health department is doing
overall. Wartman reported that no staff was lost during 2020 but is concerned about losing staff
after the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-51:
2021-51
To Accept ELC Enhancing Detection Covid Supplement Award
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Health Department has received grant funding in the amount of
$448,500.00 from the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services to provide critical resources in
support of a broad range of Covid-19/SARS-CoV-2 testing and epidemiologic surveillance related
activities. This includes increasing workforce capacity, vaccination, testing, laboratory capacity,
infection control and contract tracing. Grant start date is October 1, 2020. Total award to be expended
by October 31, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, the 2021 Budget does not contain any projections to account for any revenue or
expenditures for said grant; and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Bayfield County Board of Health to accept and expend said grant in
2021.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of June 2021, hereby authorizes the use of Revenue Account Number 100-20-43550-147
and Expense Account Number 100-20-54147 for the ELC Enhancing Detection Grant; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors hereby amends the
2021 budget by $448,500.00 for grant revenue/expenses:
Increase Revenue:
100-20-43550-147 ELC Enhancing Detection Grant $448,500
Increase Expenses:
100-20-54147-50121 Full Time $200,000
100-20-54147-50123 Temp Employee $ 75,000
100-20-54147-50135 Overtime $ 4,500
100-20-54147-50136 On Call Pay $ 7,920
100-20-54147-50151 FICA/Medicare $ 21,808
100-20-54147-50152 Retirement $ 13,512
100-20-54147-50154 Health Insurance $ 55,000
100-20-54147-50155 Life Insurance $ 60
100-20-54147-50290 Contractual Services $ 20,000
100-20-54147-50310 Office Supplies $ 2,000
100-20-54147-50332 Mileage $ 1,200
100-20-54147-50340 Operating Supplies $ 500
100-20-54147-50390 Other supplies $ 20,000
100-20-54147-50391 Medical Supplies $ 20,000
100-20-54147-50530 Rents and Leases $ 7,000
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Total Expenses: $448,500
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Silbert to adopt Resolution No. 2021-51 To Accept ELC
Enhancing Detection Covid Supplement Award. Motion Carried, 13-0.
11. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2021-03:
Report
Motion by Strand, seconded by Silbert to receive and place on file Report No. 2021-03 Petition
to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Milo Properties, LLC, Town of Barnes,
from Residential 2 (R-2) to Residential 1 (R-1). Motion Carried, 13-0.
12. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2021-03:
Ordinance
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Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-03 Petition to Change
District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Milo Properties, LLC, Town of Barnes, from
Residential 2 (R-2) to Residential 1 (R-1).
Chairman Pocernich questioned what changes would be made from rezoning the property from
Residential-One to Residential-Two. Strand explained that the redistricting will change the
setback requirements for the property, which would allow the property owners to build on the
land.
Motion Carried, 13-0.
Oswald suggested moving Item No. 17: Clerk of Court Annual Report 2020 & Item No. 18: UW
Extension Annual Report 2020 and Discussion Regarding Agricultural Educator and Emerging
Crop Specialist Position up on the agenda so the speakers would not have to wait. The board
agreed.
13. Clerk of Court Annual Report 2020:
County Clerk of Court Kay Cederberg presented the 2020 Clerk of Court annual report, which
included a budget overview, the 2020 caseload, and debt collection results. Cederberg also
discussed changes that needed to be made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Sandstrom to receive and place on file. Motion Carried, 13-
0.
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14. UW Extension Annual Report 2020 and Discussion Regarding Agricultural Educator and
Emerging Crop Specialist Position:
UW-Extension Area 1 Director Mary Pardee presented the 2020 annual report, which included a
review of staffing changes throughout 2020, the changes that Extension is making towards
moving staff positions towards specialist positions, and programs that Extension offered in 2020.
Pardee informed the board that the Agricultural institute is changing within Extension and is
moving more towards specialists. Agriculture/Horticulture Specialist Jason Fischbach’s position
is changing to Emerging Crop Specialist; however, Fischbach will still be located at Bayfield
County. Pardee reviewed the details of the new emerging crop specialist position.
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Silbert to receive and place on file. Motion Carried, 13-0.
15. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2021-04:
Report
Motion by Strand, seconded by Ray to receive and place on file Report No. 2021-04 Petition to
Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Tamara Jean & Micah Jaesperson, Town of
Oulu, from Forestry 1 (F-1) to Agricultural (Ag-1). Motion Carried, 13-0.
16. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2021-04:
Ordinance
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7:40 p.m. – Rondeau left the meeting.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-04 Petition to Change
District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Tamara Jean & Micah Jaesperson, Town of Oulu,
from Forestry 1 (F-1) to Agricultural (Ag-1). Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
17. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2021-05:
Report
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Motion by Strand, seconded by Zepczyk to receive and place on file Report No. 2021-05 Petition
to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Mountaineer Properties LLC, Town of
Barnes, from Commercial (C) to Industrial (I). Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
18. Bayfield County Ordinance No. 2021-05:
Ordinance
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Motion by Strand, seconded by Zepczyk to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-02 Petition to Change
District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Mountaineer Properties LLC, Town of Barnes, from
Commercial (C) to Industrial (I). Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
19. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-52:
2021-52
Withdrawal of Land from County Forest Law and Sale of Land to
Address a Trespass
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Department (hereafter, the Department) discovered an
encroachment of county forest land located in Section 14, T49N-R5W, in the Town of Bayview; and,
WHEREAS, upon further inspection, it was established that the adjacent landowners, Terrence Burns
and Claire Duquette (hereafter, the Landowners), of 79005 N. Niemisto Rd., Washburn, Wisconsin,
were responsible for the encroachment; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the inspection, the Department determined that numerous outbuildings and
improvements, including the primary dwelling, garage and septic, were in violation of Bayfield County
Zoning ordinances; and,
WHEREAS, the Department concluded that the most efficient way to address the encroachment was to
sell a portion of the encroached upon land to the Landowners; and,
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WHEREAS, the portion of encroached upon property considered for sale was calculated to be 0.29
acres, and only included enough land to comply with Bayfield County Zoning ordinances (see Exhibit
A, Plat of Survey); and,
WHEREAS, the local assessed value of comparable land near the encroached upon property was
determined to be roughly $2,500.00 per acre; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County (hereafter, the County) agrees to sell the approximately 0.29 acres of
encroached upon land to the Landowners for $2,500.00/acre, in addition to all other terms outlined in the
real estate sales agreement, including the Landowners paying all expenses associated with a survey,
including the development of a CSM (if necessary), and all recording fees, as well as all legal and
administrative fees incurred by the County as part of the transaction; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to compensating the County for the cost of land and other associated expenses,
as outlined in the real estate sales agreement, the Landowners will be required to remove all personal
items/property from the encroached upon land not included in the transaction, including the removal of a
small storage shed; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the Forestry and Parks Committee’s recommendation to sell the land, as
described above, to the Landowners, all net proceeds from the sale are to be reinvested in forest land and
made part of the County Forest; and,
WHEREAS, the sale of County Forest land currently enrolled in County Forest Law is inconsistent with
the purposes set forth in ss. 28.11, Wisconsin Statutes (County Forest Law); and,
WHEREAS, any proposal to sell County Forest land will first require filing an application, to the DNR,
to withdraw said parcel from County Forest Law; and,
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Committee has recommended the sale of the approximately 0.29
acres of land to the Landowners, as described above, and the withdrawal of said land from County
Forest Law, with all net proceeds being reinvested in land that would eventually be enrolled in County
Forest Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of June 2021, authorizes the Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Administrator, on behalf
of the County, to make application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to
Section 28.11(11), Wisconsin Statutes, to withdraw the real estate described above from the provisions
of the County Forest Law (Section 28.11, Wisconsin Statutes); and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the application for withdrawal from County Forest Law is
approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
approves the sale of the above described property to the Landowners, in the amount of $2,500.00/acre,
including all other terms as outlined in the real estate sales agreement; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all net proceeds from the sale of the above described property
must be reinvested in forest land that will be enrolled in County Forest Law and made part of the County
Forest and that the Forestry and Parks Department will search for other lands suitable for addition to the
County Forest; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the following budget amendments will be made to the 2021 Forestry
and Parks Budget:
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Increase Revenue: 100-34-46813 by $2,500
Increase Expense: 100-34-56121-50252 by $2,500
Motion by Strand, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2021-52 Withdrawal of Land
from County Forest Land and Sale of Land to Address a Trespass. Motion Carried, 12-0, 1
Absent.
20. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-53:
2021-53
Support for Broadband Grant Application in Bayfield County
WHEREAS, having access to high speed (broadband) Internet is a necessity for full participation in
today’s economy and society; and,
WHEREAS, it is essential infrastructure for Bayfield County, its communities and its citizens to remain
competitive in the 21st Century for economic development, business development, job creation,
communication, public safety, education, healthcare, entertainment and other future uses; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has identified over 500 households with broadband connectivity below
the state minimum in Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens and businesses in Bayfield County have expressed a strong need for improved
broadband internet service; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County wants to be proactive and serve as a catalyst for broadband improvement
throughout the county by partnering broadband providers willing to help extend this infrastructure to
underserved households and businesses; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County approached broadband providers countywide with potential projects; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County received a request from Norvado to partner and provide matching funds
for State Broadband grants through the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in the Towns of Barnes,
Washburn, Barksdale, Pilsen, Eileen and Keystone; and Pilsen for the purpose of constructing
broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the County; and,
WHEREAS, cooperation and collaboration among Bayfield County and Norvado will be necessary for
success.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of June 2021, hereby strongly supports the goal of providing the best possible broadband
internet availability in terms of speed, adoption rate by its citizens and data capacity for the citizens of
the county; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Bayfield County will commit the following amounts to the described
projects:
• South Washburn, Northeast Barksdale: $120,000
o Project Description: Norvado Inc. is submitting this Application for a Fiber-To-The-
Home (FTTH) Project in the Washburn, WI rate center (“Project”). This Project will
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complete a 100% FTTH network in the Southern portion of the Town of Washburn and
Northeastern portion of the Town of Barksdale which will bring Gigabit services to 261
locations of which 120 of those locations are currently underserved.
• Barksdale: $120,000
o Project Description: Norvado Inc. is submitting this Application for a Fiber-To-The-
Home (FTTH) Project in the Washburn rate center (“Project”). This Project will
complete a 100% FTTH network in the Town of Barksdale which will bring Gigabit
services to 209 locations of which 193 of those locations are currently underserved.
• Lower Eau Claire Lake: $21,400
o Project Description: Norvado Inc. is submitting this Application for a Fiber-To-The-
Home (FTTH) Project in the Bayfield County portion of the Lower Eau Claire region
(“Project”). This Project will be a 100% FTTH network which will bring Gigabit
services to 32 locations through a 4.9 fiber route mile construction plan.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Dougherty to adopt Resolution No. 2021-53 Support for
Broadband Grant Application in Bayfield County. Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
21. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-54:
2021-54
Bayfield County Towns Association, The Cities of Washburn and
Bayfield, The Village of Mason, Bayfield County Emergency Medical
Council, Red Cliff Tribe and Bayfield County Government Joint
Advisory Study Committee Resolution
WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services are critical to Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is fortunate to have nine top quality EMS agencies serving the County;
and,
WHEREAS, Changing demographics and the pandemic are creating challenges to EMS Agency
operations across the county, region and State; and,
WHEREAS, other Wisconsin counties, Ashland and Florence Counties are struggling to deliver
services to all their residents; and Sawyer County to the south has had a County Wide EMS system in
place for many years; and,
WHEREAS, all three parties agree that focused study, evaluation and dialogue amongst the parties is
important to the long-term success of EMS in Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, The Town’s Association, the Cities of Washburn and Bayfield, the Bayfield EMS Council,
the Red Cliff Tribe, and Bayfield County Board of Supervisors are willing to put forth the time and
effort and work together for the betterment of countywide communities; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Bayfield County Towns Association, the Cities of
Washburn and Bayfield, the Bayfield County EMS Council, the Red Cliff Tribe, and the Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors agree to establish a joint Advisory Committee beginning in September of
2021; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the mission of the Committee shall be to:
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Determine the strengths and weaknesses of Bayfield County Emergency Services, propose
recommendations to ensure continued and successful operations over the next 10 years and
establish an action plan to carry out those activities; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall meet as necessary in September, October,
and November of 2021 and January, February, and March of 2022, and at other times as necessary and
shall submit a final report by May 31, 2022; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall be made up of 13 members including the
following:
• 3 Town Representatives
• 2 City Representatives
• 4 EMS Agency Representatives
• 2 County Board Representatives
• 1 Red Cliff Tribal Representative
• 1 Village Representative
• 2 Citizen Representatives; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each of the seven entities shall select their own members.
Applications shall be taken by Bayfield County for the two Citizen Representatives. The seven entities
shall review applications and choose 2 citizen members via consensus to participate on the committee.
and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall elect a chair and vice-chair to organize
meeting agendas with the first meeting being an organizational and planning meeting; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Bayfield County commits to provide a location, staffing and
meeting agenda organizational assistance during these meetings.
Abeles-Allison pointed out two changes that would have to be made to the resolution, 1) the
word “EMS” should be added before “Advisory” in the title and 2) the number of committee
members should be changed to 15 from 13. Abeles-Allison informed the board that himself;
Meagan Quaderer, the Emergency Management Director; Kellie Pederson, UW Extension
Educator; and Paige Terry, Clerk III for the County Administrator and Clerk’s Offices have been
identified to prepare the committee for operation.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Ray to adopt Resolution No. 2021-54 Bayfield County Towns
Association, The Cities of Washburn and Bayfield, The Village of Mason, Bayfield County
Emergency Medical Council, Red Cliff Tribe, and Bayfield County Government Joint Advisory
Study Committee Resolution with two corrections being made, 1) Adding the word “EMS”
before “Advisory” in the title of the resolution; 2) Changing the number of members from 13 to
15.
Fickbohm informed the board that a similar issue with finding volunteers for emergency services
is being experienced by Bayfield County fire departments, with the median age for volunteers
being 70 years old.
Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
22. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-55:
2021-55
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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, on May 25 the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors approved four projects for American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding; and,
WHEREAS, the four project are listed as:
• Bayfield County Heating, Ventilation, and Air Improvements
• Northern Lights Backup Generator and Sewer Pipe Replacement
• Broadband Expansion Grant, South of Washburn and Lower Eau Claire Lake area.
• Bayfield County Health Department Contract Staffing and COVID-19 Test Equipment; and,
WHEREAS, there are two areas between the Courthouse and Annex that would benefit from improved
air handling devices, as neither currently have a full time air exchange system; and,
WHEREAS, Work in public facilities addressing ventilation is allowed under section 1, Ventilation
Improvements of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, Estimated costs are $540,000 for the courthouse hallway and $60,000 for the Annex
hallways for a total of $600,000; and,
WHEREAS, the Northern Lights Nursing Home is in need of a new backup generator and replacement
sewer pipes; and,
WHEREAS, Northern Lights currently does not have a backup generator; and,
WHEREAS, Work in Nursing Homes with confined facilities falls under Section 1, Confined
Living of ARA guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, Estimated generator replacement cost is $150,000 and estimated costs to replace the
facilities sewer pipes are $150,000 for a total of $300,000; and,
WHEREAS, additional justification is made on the attached memo citing interim rule provisions.
WHEREAS, Bayfield County sent inquiries to Centurylink, Norvado, Spectrum/Charter and Bayfield
Wireless earlier in the year; and,
WHEREAS, Norvado responded with three projects that they asked Bayfield County to provide a local
share to be matched by State Broadband Grants:
WHEREAS, The projects were south of Washburn, Towns of Washburn, Barksdale, Pilsen, Keystone,
Eileen and Barnes for a total number of approximately 500 households served; and,
WHEREAS, Broadband is allowed under section 7 of the ARPA guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, County share for the three projects is:
• South of Washburn: Area 1: $120,000 contribution, total project cost $1.2m
• South of Washburn: Area 2: $120,000 contribution, total project cost $1.2m
• Middle Eau Claire Lakes: $21,400 contribution, total cost $214k
o Total: $261,400; and,
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WHEREAS, Public Health remains active with COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, contact tracing, and
support throughout the county; and,
WHEREAS, Public Health provides a variety of services to County residents through state and federal
grants and due to time spent on COVID-19 related activities, staff are limited in their ability to resume
their normal activites;
WHEREAS, Estimated costs for Bayfield County to purchase testing equipment for COVID-19 PCR
Testing are $6,000; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is looking to contract for additional Registered Nursing support for the
next 12 months to assist with COVID-19 related issues, including testing, contact tracing, disease
investigation, and vaccination efforts, cost of $80,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29 day of June, approve the following budget amendments to fund the four previously described
projects:
Increase Revenues: 276-00-43333 $1,247,400
Increase Expenditures: 276-00-57100-50820 $ 600,000
276-00-54210-50720 $ 300,000
276-00-56800-50720 $ 261,400
276-00-54101-50340 $ 6,000
276-00-54101-50290 $ 80,000
Total Expenses: $1,247,400
Motion by Sandstrom, seconded by Dougherty to adopt Resolution No. 2021-55 American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Budget Amendment. Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
23. Additional American Rescue Plan Act Funds:
Abeles-Allison reviewed additional projects that have been submitted for ARPA funding.
Projects included: an emergency egress for the BRICK Food Shelf’s pantry and warehouse;
construction of three pit privies at three separate county parks, Lost Creek Falls, Siskiwit, and
CAMBA Trail Head; brochures and a photo library for the Bayfield County Tourism
Department; a sewer relocation project for the City of Washburn Iron Works; and an increase in
Bayfield County IT network storage. Abeles-Allison informed the board that there are several
additional projects that are currently under discussion and will be brought before the Executive
Committee.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Fickbohm to allocate $454,968 in American Rescue Plan Act
Funds to the five proposed projects, to be confirmed at the next meeting and contingent on all
projects moving forward appropriately. Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
24. Redistricting Committee for Bayfield County:
Abeles-Allison explained that the county does not have any census figures which makes the
County currently unable to meet the July 1, 2021, deadline. Abeles-Allison stated that a proposal
is currently set before the Wisconsin governor to modify the redistricting guidelines. It has been
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recommended that Bayfield County establish a redistricting committee to begin preparations for
redistricting. Abeles-Allison suggested the County Board Chair, County Clerk, Land
Information Officer, the County Administrator, and the Corporation Counsel be included as
members of the committee.
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Milanowski to establish a redistricting advisory committee
consisting of the proposed members and in addition to additional members that may be
appointed by the board chair. Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
25. Reappointment of Kim Sturm, Lincoln to the Bayfield County Board of Adjustment
effective July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024:
Motion by Ray, seconded by Dougherty to Reappoint Kim Sturm, Town of Lincoln to the Bayfield
County Board of Adjustment with a term effective July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024.
Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
26. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-56:
2021-56
Supporting and Authorizing Matching Funds for Bayfield County
“RAISE” Grant Project on County Highways A & N
WHEREAS, Bayfield County maintains 172 miles of county highways; and,
WHEREAS, Forestry is a critical industry for Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County annually places road weight limit restrictions on county highways during
the spring break-up to protect roads which negatively impact the ability of the logging industry to access
and transport forest product; and,
WHEREAS, County Highways A and N provide access to thousands of acres of forestland that supplies
timber for forest products in Wisconsin and the United States; and,
WHEREAS, funding for highways is important. Scare resources make funding difficult. Bayfield
County has annually dedicated additional resources to highway projects; and,
WHEREAS, over the past five years both the Bayfield County Board and the Citizens of Bayfield
County have ranked Highways as a top priority of the County during the annual budget process and
budget survey; and,
WHEREAS, maintenance and upkeep of roadways are of regional concern to support the forest
industry; and,
WHEREAS, alternate funding mechanisms are important to supplement the county’s ability to properly
maintain county roads; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has proposed a “replace in kind” construction method to keep costs to a
minimum; and,
WHEREAS, the US Department of Transportation RAISE program offers matching funds for economic
development projects and in May and June 2021 the Bayfield County Board authorized submittal of an
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application to the RAISE grant program for reconstruction of County Highways A and N to all season
road standards; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has extensive tourism and a strong interest in electric vehicles however
there are no fast-charging stations in Northern Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County project will include multiple Electric Vehicle Charging Stations along
the project routes, entrances and exits.
WHEREAS, the estimated cost for the entire project is $13 million dollars for reconstruction of 16.4
miles of highway reconstruction on County Highway A including Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
along the route AND as part of this overall project Bayfield County will contributing
$1 million to convert the recently reconstructed six-mile section of County Highway N to upgrade it to
an all- season road.
WHEREAS, this improvement project would have a significant economic development impact on
Bayfield County Communities and businesses in addition to improving safety and reducing maintenance
costs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of June 2021, will commit and hereby encumbers $1.5 million toward this project over a
period of up to seven years in addition to the $1 million on County Highway N; for a total of $2.5
million towards this project and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors full supports this
RAISE project, including All Season Road Economic Development and Electrical Vehicle Charging
Stations.
Abeles-Allison reviewed the changes in the resolution compared to a previously adopted
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2021-43; Supporting and Authorizing Matching Funds for
Bayfield County “RAISE” Grant Project on County Highways A & N, which include increasing
the overall budget from $12 million to $13 million, lowering the County contribution from $3
million to $2.5 million, and a clause encouraging municipalities to support the installation of
electric vehicle charging stations.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Ray to adopt Resolution No. 2021-56 Supporting and Authorizing
Matching Funds for Bayfield County “RAISE” Grant Project on County Highways A & N
(AMENDED RAISE Grant Resolution). Motion Carried, 12-0, 1 Absent.
27. County Board Budget Input for 2022:
Abeles-Allison reviewed a previously submitted County Board narrative from the 2021 budget
and asked that the board think about goals and accomplishments they may like included for the
upcoming budget.
28. Reports;
a) Budget 2022: Abeles-Allison stated that the 2022 budget process has been initialized, therefore
departments can start working on and planning their budgets. Letters have been sent to the
businesses that ordinarily ask for funding from Bayfield County. Sales tax is up 28% from the
previous year.
b) Rental Assistance and Business Grants: Bayfield County has not received a great response
regarding the grants. Applicants must fall in the low to moderate income brackets. The original
deadline was set for June 30, 2021 but there were very few applications received. Bayfield
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County may need to review the rules and requirements for the grant applications should there not
be enough applicants.
c) Opioid Legislation: Abeles-Allison explained that the Wisconsin Counties Association has
recommended 70% fund distribution to the Counties and 30% fund distribution to the state and is
urging the Attorney General to sign the legislation.
d) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. July 27, 2021
b. August 31, 2021
c. September 28, 2021: Crandall pointed out that this date is in conflict with the last day of
the WCA conference. Abeles-Allison stated the date will have to be modified.
29. Supervisors’ Reports:
Fickbohm reported that he has been approached by multiple members of the Chequamegon Easy
Riders regarding conditions of the Bayfield County Fairgrounds, more specifically the arena
used for horses. Fickbohm explained that the arena is greatly sand based which is causing it to
be dug up and degrade to the point that fewer horse riders are showing up to utilize the arena.
The condition of the arena is now dangerous for the horses. Fickbohm has reached out to Dick
Vernon to go over some ideas for improving the arena. To improve on the arena’s condition, the
fences would need to be taken back, the sand removed, rock placed on the arena with a possible
mat placed on top, and the sand placed back on top. Fickbohm stated that the solution is torn
between repairing the arena or moving it entirely. Discussion continued regarding the history of
the condition of the arena and steps that may need to be taken to improve on the arena.
Oswald reported that the Blue Goose has a new bus.
30. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, motion by Milanowski, seconded by Zepczyk to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat