HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 3/29/2022
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
March 29, 2022 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 6:03 p.m. by Bayfield
County Chairman Dennis M. Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk- Lynn Divine, as follows:
Steve Sandstrom-present; Larry Fickbohm-present; Jeremy Oswald-present; Mary Dougherty-present; Jeff
Silbert-present; Brett Rondeau-absent; Jim Crandall-present; Fred Strand-present; Tom Snilsberg-present
virtually; Marty Milanowski-present; David Zepczyk-present; Dennis Pocernich-present; Charly Ray-
present via phone. 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- Lynn M. Divine virtually; Human Resources Director- Kris Kavajecz virtually; District Attorney-
Kim Lawton virtually; Human Services Director- Elizabeth Skulan virtually; Senator- Janet Bewley;
Northwoods Group Representative- James Bolen; Northwoods Group Representative- Jim Kelly; Xcel
Energy Representative- Bill Bailey virtually; and Clerk III- Paige Terry virtually
3. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
The board observed a moment of silence to honor Marcia Mihalek, former 18-year employee of
the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office who recently passed.
4. Public Comment: None.
5. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes from March 1, 2022:
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Crandall to approve the Minutes of the Monthly Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors Meeting held on March 1, 2022. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
6. Legislative Update: Senator Bewley gave a legislative update to the board explaining that the
assembly and the senate will not convene again until after the November election. Bewley
announced that she will not be running for re-election; however, she will continue to serve as the
area’s senator until the next official is sworn in. The senate had voted on the new district maps
and the decision was vetoed by the Governor which sent the case to the Federal Supreme Court
where it was ruled that the maps needed revision. It is estimated that the new maps will be
available by April 15, 2022. Bewley informed the board that all of the monetary assistance that
was received during the COVID-19 pandemic was given by the federal government with none of
it coming from the state. Bewley introduced Ryan from her staff, stating that he would be
available to answer questions if she was unavailable. Zepczyk commented on the housing market
in Bayfield County and the impact that tourism has had on the county. Discussion took place
regarding the affordable housing shortage in the county.
7. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-28:
2
In Recognition and Appreciation of Senator Janet Bewley for 12 Years of
Dedication and Service to the Region as Assembly Representative and Senator
WHEREAS, Janet Bewley has been a dedicated member of the Wisconsin State Senate since fall 2014;
and,
WHEREAS, Janet Bewley was elected to the Senate as the State Senator for the 25th Senate District;
and,
WHEREAS, Senate District 25 encompasses Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Price, Barron,
Washburn and parts of Burnett, Polk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Dunn, and Vilas Counties; and,
WHEREAS, Senate District 25 also encompasses the Red Cliff, Bad River, and Lac Du Flambeau
Tribal Reservations;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, honors Senator Janet Bewley for her 12 years of public service in the
Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly Offices and dedication to the citizens of Bayfield County and the
25th Senate District and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2022-28 In Recognition and
Appreciation of Senator Janet Bewley for 12 Years of Dedication and Service to the Region as
Assembly Representative and Senator. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
8. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-29:
In Recognition of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
WHEREAS, thousands of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Native Americans continue to cry
out for justice and healing. Homicide is the third-leading cause of death for Indigenous girls and teens,
according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indigenous females are more than
three times likely to be murdered than white females, according to the National Center for
Biotechnology Information; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul identifies the lack of available data on this issue.
Attorney General Kaul said. “It’s one of the things we’ve heard about consistently from people.
Working to get the data is what we think is an important step to identifying how widespread this issue is
and identifying solutions to this issue.” In July 2021 $300,000 was allocated through grants from the
federal Victims of Crime Act toward the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Task Force recently
formed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Task
Force is seeking to uncover the causes of the epidemic and provide policy recommendation to law
enforcement and to the state Legislature; and,
WHEREAS, On Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, we remember the
Indigenous people who have been lost to murder and those who remain missing; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County commits to working with Tribal communities, local law enforcement and
the criminal justice system to ensure any instance of a missing or murdered person is met with effective
action.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th Day of March, 2022, hereby designates May 5, 2022, as Missing & Murdered Indigenous
Persons Awareness Day.
3
District Attorn, Kim Lawton reported that the Senate, as well as President Biden, recently passed
a similar resolution of support for May 5, 2022. Lawton reviewed the history of why May 5 is
significant.
Motion by Sandstrom, seconded by Silbert to adopt Resolution No. 2022-29 In Recognition of
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
9. Presentation, Northwoods Group: James Bolen and Jim Kelly with the Northwoods Group gave
a presentation to the board that detailed the destination resort project that is being undertaken in
the Town of Cable. The resort will contain three different hotels: one being an ultra-luxury hotel,
the second a mid-range priced hotel, and the third being a B&B style hotel. After its completion,
the resort will offer approximately 400 jobs year-round. Bolen explained that the business will
utilize good salaries and housing resources to attract and retain potential employees. Discussion
took place regarding the possible impact the project would have on Bayfield County.
10. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-30:
Adopting 2022 Wage Schedule, Implementation Plan and Modified Work Hours
WHEREAS, The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors directed that a market analysis be conducted to
ensure that the county’s wage schedule is competitive in the marketplace; and,
WHEREAS, A strong wage schedule will ensure that the county is able to retain and recruit quality
employees to provide superior services to the residents of Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, The market analysis consultant provided assistance with calculations for various
implementation cost scenarios; and,
WHEREAS, The recommended wage schedule maintains a control point set at 5% above the market
average; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County considered various implementation plans, one of the options was to set
employees at a step on the scale guaranteeing no less than a 1% increase and a no less than a step two
for employees with two or more years of services; and,
WHEREAS, Jail and dispatch staff currently operate under a 1950-hour work year; and,
WHEREAS, A 40-hour week, 2080-hour schedule for Jail and dispatch staff, instead of the current
1950 hours, would provide additional staffing, scheduling flexibility, and would help address ongoing
staff shortages; and,
WHEREAS, Some Bayfield County salaried, exempt from FLSA employees are based on a 1950-hour
per year (37.5-hour per week) calculation schedule. Increasing this to 38.75 hours per week would
provide additional compensation, more accurately compensating for actual hours worked;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby adopt the attached 2022 Bayfield County Wage Schedule; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That regular full- and part-time employees be placed on the new
schedule at the step that reflects a minimum of a 1% increase; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That regular employees with at least two years of experience will be
placed at no less than a step two on their grade; and,
4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that salaried, exempt from FLSA, full-time department heads and
supervisors, currently at 37.5 hours per week, shall be compensated based on a 38.75-hour weekly
calculation. Vacation and sick leave schedules for these employees shall be adjusted accordingly; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the revised wage schedule and salaried employee adjustments
shall be effective April 1, 2022; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that regular full-time jailers and dispatchers will begin a 2080 hour
work schedule as soon as possible.
Human Resources Director, Kris Kavajecz, informed the board that the payroll office has
suggested changing the effective date of the changes to April 2, 2022 to allow enough time to
make the necessary changes.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution No. 2022-30 Adopting 2022
Wage Schedule, Implementation Plan and Modified Work Hours with the edit to change the
effective date to April 2, 2022. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-31:
Resolution Designating the Week of April 11th Through April 15th “Work Zone
Safety Awareness Week in Bayfield County”
WHEREAS, in 1999 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) partnered with the American
Association of State and Highway Officials (AASHTO) and more recently with the American Traffic
Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to create the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
campaign, held annually in April prior to the construction season for much of the nation; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin County Highway Association is asking all seventy-two (72) counties in the
state to unite and kick-off “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” with a resolution and campaign to raise
awareness for its workers and those of various highway contractors performing work for the counties;
and,
WHEREAS, between 2016 and 2021, there were 59 fatalities recorded as a result of more than 13,000
work zone crashes and injuring more than 5,000 people; and,
WHEREAS, construction and maintenance activities on our streets and highways periodically require
that work zones be established; and,
WHEREAS, there has been an average of 2,677 work zone crashes in Wisconsin in each of the last five
years; and,
WHEREAS, in 2020, Wisconsin suffered from 1,700 crashes in road construction and maintenance
zones, resulting in over 665 injuries and 17 fatalities; and,
WHEREAS, through their enforcement activities and other participation, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s
Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bayfield County Highway Department will work to make “Work
Zone Safety Awareness Week a success; and,
WHEREAS, the County Sheriff’s Office is committed in 2022 to conduct enforcement activities and
work jointly with the County Highway Department to make “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” a
success in Bayfield County; and,
5
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department and Sheriff’s Office have employees whose
daily duties are to work within work zones and traffic; and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration has designated April 11 through April 15, 2022 as
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week with this year’s theme “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow
Down”, which focuses on awareness to all drivers in work zones of their speed and proximity to
workers;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby designate the week of April 11th through April 15th, 2022 as
“Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” in Bayfield County.
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2022-31 Resolution
Designating the Week of April 11th Through April 15th “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week in
Bayfield County.” Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-32:
Supporting WEDC Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Application for Area
Childcare and a $10,000 Contribution if Awarded
WHEREAS, Ashland Area Development Corporation prepared a Wisconsin Innovation Grant Program
application in concert with area employers to address childcare in the Chequamegon Bay region; and,
WHEREAS, Childcare is in short supply and impacts parents’ ability to join the workforce; and,
WHEREAS, this application is focused on addressing challenges faced by childcare providers by
addressing root problems that will improve childcare services, operations and staff recruitment and
retention;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby support the application; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County does hereby commit $10,000 towards the
project if funded.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Zepczyk to adopt Resolution No. 2022-32 Supporting WEDC
Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Application for Area Childcare and a $10,000 Contribution
if Awarded. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom-yes; Dougherty-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Oswald-yes; Ray-
yes; Silbert-yes; Strand-yes; Milanowski-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Crandall-yes; Zepczyk-yes;
Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried, 12-0. 1 absent.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-33:
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,
6
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 products; and,
WHEREAS, County Highways A and N provide access to thousands of acres of forestland that supplies
timber for forest products; and,
WHEREAS, County Highways A and N are used by local industry
WHEREAS, Bayfield County uses highways for multi modal purposes with County Highway A
designated as a bike route and County Highway N designated as an ATV route.
WHEREAS, funding for highways is important. Scarce resources make funding difficult. Bayfield
County has annually dedicated additional resources to highway projects but does not have the ability to
contribute to fund this entire project; 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 March of 2022 the Bayfield County Board authorized submittal of an
application to the RAISE grant program for reconstruction of County Highways A and N to all season
road standards; and,
WHEREAS, the estimated cost for the project is $16.06 million dollars encompassing sixteen (16)
miles of county highway reconstruction on County Highway N and conversion of six (6) miles of
County Highway N from A to Highway 27 making this entire route (US 2 to State Highway 27) an All-
Season Road; and,
WHEREAS, this improvement project would have a significant economic development impact on
Bayfield County Communities, businesses, bikers, ATV users and tourists 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 March 2022, will commit and hereby encumbers 10% or $1,606,000 toward this project
over a period of up to seven years; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County has previously supported efforts at the state
level to raise additional funds for county highway reconstruction and that the Bayfield County Board
hereby petitions the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate of the State of Wisconsin to pursue
supplemental funding for county highways in Wisconsin.
7
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Zepczyk to adopt Resolution No. 2022-33 Supporting and
Authorizing Matching Funds for Bayfield County “RAISE” Grant Project on County Highways
A & N. Roll Call Vote: Dougherty-yes; Silbert-yes; Strand-yes; Milanowski-yes; Crandall-yes;
Fickbohm-yes; Sandstrom-yes; Ray-yes; Oswald-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Zepczyk-yes; Pocernich-
yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-34:
Establishing Total Annual Compensation for County Elected Officials Pursuant to
Wis. Stat. § 59.22
WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.22(1), the County Board must establish the total annual
compensation for services to be paid to county elected officials prior to the earliest time for filing
nomination papers for the county elective office; and,
WHEREAS, the Board desires to establish the total annual compensation for county elected officials,
which is separate and distinct from the fringe benefits offered by the County to elected officials, and
which fringe benefits are subject to increase or decrease during the officer’s term at the discretion of the
Board and in accordance with state and federal law; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials may
participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with state law; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials may elect to
receive health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage
offered to non-represented managerial county employees;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, that the total annual compensation for county elected officials under Wis.
Stat. §59.22(1) shall be as follows, effective on the first day of a term of office that begins after the date
of this Resolution:
Elected Official Compensation:
2023 2024 2025 2026
Sheriff $80,287 $82,696 $86,004 $89,444
Clerk of Court $66,564 $68,561 $71,303 $74,155
Coroner $6,693 $6,897 $7,172 $7,459
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned county elected officials are entitled to
participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with law and the County shall pay its
share of contributions required by law. The wages here are calculated with the idea that all elected
officials are paying the employee share of WRS; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the county will compensate elected officials for unused sick
leave, upon reaching the age of 55, if they worked and accrued compensable sick leave with Bayfield
County prior to taking elected office. Compensation will be based on county policy and formula as
reflected in the letter in the employee’s personnel file. Such compensation shall be in addition to the
compensation identified in the compensation schedule above; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned county elected officials are entitled to
participate in the County’s health insurance program subject to the terms and conditions of the program,
which may be modified from time to time, under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance
coverage offered to non-represented managerial county employees.
8
Motion by Sandstrom, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2022-34 Establishing
Total Annual Compensation for County Elected Officials Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.22. Motion
carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
15. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding 2022 County Board Election Procedures:
Silbert suggested changing the phrase “the County Clerk may draw a name” to “the County
Clerk shall draw a name.” Oswald suggested that a clause be added that allows the county board
to enter discussion during the voting process.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Crandall to adopt the 2022 County Board Election Procedures
as presented with the two changes to change the word “may” to “shall” and to include a clause
that allows the board to enter discussion during the voting process. Motion carried, 12-0, 1
absent.
16. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment of Bob Rice to the Bayfield County
Board of Adjustment:
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Ray to confirm the appointment of Bob Rice to the Bayfield
County Board of Adjustment. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
17. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Updated Highway Districts:
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Milanowski to approve the updated highway districts. Motion
carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
18. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-35:
In Recognition and Appreciation of the Wisconsin Counties Association for its Role
in Payments to Towns with County Forest
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Counties Association supports counties across Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, 30 counties in Wisconsin have land ownership enrolled in County Forest Law; and,
WHEREAS, State reimbursements to Towns for these County Forest Law parcels had not changed
since 1989; and,
WHEREAS, the Counties Association adopted this topic as a policy platform issue in 2018; and,
WHEREAS, in 2021 legislation was adopted and signed into law increasing acreage payments from
$.30 per acre to $.63 per acre; and,
WHEREAS, Increased revenues, a total of $56,000 annual went to Towns with County Forest for
essential community services in 2022;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby thank the Wisconsin Counties Association for their wholistic
vision and approach to county government and the impacts of county government on the communities
served; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County officially names the Wisconsin Counties
Association a friend of Bayfield County Forests.
9
Motion by Zepczyk, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2022-35 In Recognition and
Appreciation of the Wisconsin Counties Association for its Role in Payments to Counties with
County Forest. Motion carried, 12-0. 1 absent.
19. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-36:
Resolution to Transfer the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North
(ADRC – N), ADRC – N Regional Contingency Fund to New Fiscal Agent
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Department of Human Services (DHS) was identified as the Fiscal
Agent for the Regional Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North (ADRC – N) consisting of
Ashland, Bayfield, Iron, Price and Sawyer Counties until December 21, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County per DHS Resolution No. 2016-06 and its corresponding County
Resolution established a trust for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North (ADRC – N) to
satisfy the State and local auditors the funds did not belong to Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, funds retained in the Contingency Fund by Bayfield County for the ADRC-N must now be
transferred to Ashland County Health and Human Services Department, the new ADRC- N Fiscal
Agent; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County requires a budget resolution to close the trust and transfer the funds;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby authorize the following budget resolution allowing Bayfield
County to transfer ADRC-N Contingency funds to Ashland County Health and Human Services, the
new ADRC-N Fiscal Agent:
Account Number Description Adjustment
Increase Revenue
235-50-49301 Fund Balance Applied $120,640.00
Total $120,640.00
Increase Expenditure
235-59-54590-50299 Special Contractual Services $120,640.00
Total $120,640.00
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Silbert to adopt Resolution No. 2022-36 Resolution to Transfer
the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North (ADRC – N), ADRC-N Regional
Contingency Fund to New Fiscal Agent. Roll Call Vote: Strand-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Milanowski-
yes; Sandstrom-yes; Dougherty-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Ray-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes; Zepczyk-
yes; Crandall-yes; Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
20. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Bridge Aid Increase Budget Amendment, Town
of Port Wing:
Abeles-Allison explained that the board had originally budget $6,630 in funds to the Town of
Port Wing for bridge aid; however, the completed project came in $5,502.94 over budget and the
Town is now requesting additional funds to cover the additional expense. Abeles-Allison
informed the board that the bridge aid account does have enough funds to cover the additional
costs.
10
Motion by Sandstom, seconded by Zepczyk to approve the additional budget allocation of
$5,502.94 to the Town of Port Wing for Bridge Aid. Roll Call Vote: Milanowski-yes; Ray-yes;
Sandstrom-yes; Zepczyk-yes; Dougherty-yes; Silbert-yes; Strand-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Oswald-
yes; Snilsberg-yes; Crandall-yes; Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried, 12-0, 1
absent.
21. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-37:
Bayfield County Jail/Courthouse Microgrid Project Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, Bayfield County applied for and was awarded an Energy Innovations Grant through the
Wisconsin Public Service Commission; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County passed resolution 2021-36 in April 2021 and there were several
corrections and additions needed to this resolution; and,
WHEREAS, funds would be used to update hot water solar equipment servicing the jail, adding
approximately 5.8kW of Solar PV, master metering the courthouse and jail complexes and installing a
battery storage device with intelligent controls; 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; in addition to updating the sites; 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, a grant in the amount of $273,714 was received for the project through the Office of
Energy Innovation with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission; and,
WHEREAS, bids for the project originally came in approximately $184,000, $250,000 and $261,000
over budget; prompting a thorough review of the project; and,
WHEREAS, project costs have been reduced by reducing solar from 23kw to 5kw and holding off on
selling the jail generator until more solar can be added in the future, the resultant change is $48,074 over
the original project cost; and,
WHEREAS, Chequamegon Bay Renewables will pay $3,000 towards the project; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of this project, additional energy savings in the amount of $5000 per year,
through the Xcel Energy “peak control” program will be generated;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, amends the budget for the Wisconsin PSC EIGP Grant and authorizes a
budget amendment utilizing fund balances to pay the County share with cost savings to replenish the
county over the next 20 years; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the following line-item adjustments be made to the 2022 budget:
Increase Fund Balance Applied Revenue: 430-70-49301 by $45,074
Increase Donations: 430-70-48500 by $ 3,000
Increase CI-Generator Project Expense: 430-70-57100-50820-007 by $48,074
11
Bill Bailey with Xcel Energy reviewed the county’s renewable energy project and gave an
update on its progress. Bailey reported that the energy savings for the county have increased
from approximately $11,000 to nearly $15,000.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2022-37 Bayfield County
Jail/Courthouse Microgrid Project Budget Amendment. Roll Call Vote: Crandall-yes;
Milanowski-yes; Strand-yes; Silbert-yes; Ray-yes; Dougherty-yes; Sandstrom-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Oswald-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Zepczyk-yes; Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried,
12-0, 1 absent.
22. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-38:
IT Storage Area Network (SAN) 2022 Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, on June 29, 2021, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors approved five additional
projects for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding; and,
WHEREAS, one of the projects was the Bayfield County Information Technology Department Network
Storage Improvements; and,
WHEREAS, on July 27, 2021, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution
authorizing this purchasing using ARPA and County funding; and,
WHEREAS, on October 26, 2021, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors approved a budget
amendment for 2021 authorizing the transfer of funds from the IT budget within the General Fund to the
Capital Improvement Fund; and,
WHEREAS, the final bill for the project was received in 2022 for the total amount of $80,672; and,
WHEREAS, due to the bill not being received or paid in 2021, the unspent budgeted expenses went into
the fund balance at year end 2021; and,
WHEREAS, a budget amendment is now required to allow payment for the project in 2022 from the
2021 unspent budget expenses;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby approve the following budget amendments to allow payment in
2022 from 2021 unspent budget expenses:
Increase Revenues: 276-00-49301 by $ 31,766
430-70-49301 by $ 48,906
Total Revenue: $ 80,672
Increase Expenditures: 276-31-57100-50820 by $ 31,766
430-31-57100-50820 by $ 48,906
Total Expenditures: $ 80,672
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution No. 2022-38 IT Storage Area
Network (SAN) 2022 Budget Amendment. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom-yes; Fickbohm-yes;
Oswald-yes; Strand-yes; Milanowski-yes; Crandall-yes; Zepczyk-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Silbert-yes;
Ray-yes; Dougherty-yes; Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
23. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-39:
12
2022 Budget Additional Staff in the Planning & Zoning Department
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has seen extensive growth over the past several years; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Department has seen increased permit applications and
anticipates this trend to continue in the years ahead; and,
WHEREAS, due to the increased workload, Planning and Zoning staff is unable to spend adequate time
on incoming, outgoing, and past permits; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Committee supports an additional Assistant Zoning
Administrator (AZA) and,
WHEREAS, Permit revenues over the past decade have increased allowing for additional resources to
be spent on staffing;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March 2022, does hereby approve funding for an additional Assistant Zoning
Administrator in 2022; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a formal budget amendment for the planning and zoning
department will be submitted by end of June 2022 after all currently open positions are filled to arrive at
an accurate budget amendment.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2022-39 2022 Budget
Additional Staff in the Planning & Zoning Department. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
24. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-40:
2022 Budget Amendment for EOC Outside Entrance and Garage Service Doors
WHEREAS, in 2021 the replacement of the garage service door was budgeted for $2,500 and the
replacement of the EOC outside entry door was budgeted for $2,500 under Capital Improvements; and,
WHEREAS, due to shipping delays, the project was unable to be completed in 2021; and,
WHEREAS, the doors were replaced in March 2022; and,
WHEREAS, the invoice for the completed project totaled $8,420 which exceeds the originally budgeted
amount by $5,000; and,
WHEREAS, in 2021 $5,000 was budgeted for woodwork under Capital Improvements, and,
WHEREAS, no woodworking project took place in 2021; and,
WHEREAS, unspent budgeted expenses go into the fund balance when closing 2021; and,
WHEREAS, a portion of the unused $5,000 for woodwork can be reallocated to cover the additional
expenses for the EOC outside entry door and garage service door replacement project;
13
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 29th day of March, hereby approves the following budget amendment for the transfer of funds from
the fund balance account to pay the invoice for the EOC and Garage Service Door replacement project:
Increase Fund Balance Applied Revenue: 430-70-49301 by $8,420
Increase Capital Expense: 430-14-57100-50820 by $8,420
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2022-40 2022 Budget
Amendment for EOC Outside Entrance and Garage Service Doors. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom-
yes; Dougherty-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes; Strand-yes; Snilsberg-yes; Zepczyk-yes; Crandall-
yes; Milanowski-yes; Ray-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Pocernich-yes; Rondeau-absent. Motion carried,
12-0, 1 absent.
25. Reports;
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. April 19, 2022 (statutory requirement): Abeles-Allison informed the board that the
April meeting would begin at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom for the swearing in of the new
board members and will immediately reconvene in the board room. The board will elect
the chairperson and vice-chair during the meeting. Between April 5-19 the board
members will receive their committee preference sheets to sign up for their desired
committees.
b. May 31, 2022
c. June 28, 2022
b) WCA District Meetings: April 27, Holiday Inn Express, Hayward.
26. Supervisors’ Reports: None
27. The Board may entertain a motion to move in and out of Closed Session pursuant to
§19.85(1) (c) to consider the employment, promotion, compensation or performance
evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or
exercises responsibility (e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties, the
investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive
or bargaining reasons require a closed session (g), to confer with legal counsel for the
governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted
by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved.
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Zepczyk to enter Executive/Closed Session at 8:17 p.m.
Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
8:18 p.m.– The board took a short recess.
8:27 p.m.- The board reconvened.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Milanowski, seconded by Sandstrom to return to Open Session at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried, 12-
0, 1 absent.
Open Session;
28. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Confirmation of Planning and Zoning Director
Appointment:
Motion by Fickbohm, seconded by Sandstrom to confirm the appointment of Ruth Hulstrom as
the new Planning and Zoning Director contingent upon final negotiations. Motion carried, 12-0,
1 absent.
14
Chairman Pocernich thanked David Zepczyk and Tom Snilsberg for their service on the board
and announced that they will not be running for the County Board for this next term.
29. Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat