HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 4/19/2022
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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
April 19, 2022 8:30 a.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 9:00 a.m. by Interim
Bayfield County Chairwoman Kay Cederberg.
The following were also present for today’s meeting: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison; County
Clerk- Lynn M. Divine; Clerk of Court- Kay Cederberg; Corporation Counsel- John Carlson; UW
Extension Area Director- Mary Pardee; Human Resources Director- Kris Kavajecz; Human Services
Director- Elizabeth Skulan; Highway Commissioner- Bob Anderson; Bayfield County Sheriff- Paul
Susienka; Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director- Mark O’Connell virtually; and Clerk III-
Paige Terry
2. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
3. Roll Call and Introductions: A roll call was conducted by Bayfield County Clerk Lynn M.
Divine as follows: Sandstrom-present; Dougherty-present; Fickbohm-present; Ray-present;
Oswald-present; Silbert-present; Strand-present; Penney-present; Milanowski-present;
Rekemeyer-present; Crandall-present; Rondeau-present; Pocernich-present. Total: 13 present, 0
absent. A quorum was present to conduct business.
Interim Chairwoman Cederberg introduced two new supervisors: Jeanna Penney and Madelaine
Rekemeyer to the board. Cederberg delivered a brief history of Bayfield County to the board and
informed the board that the public comment portion of the meeting would take place further
down on the agenda.
4. Review of Previously Adopted Election Rules for County Board Chair and Vice-Chair:
Abeles-Allison gave thanks to Cederberg for 34 years of service to Bayfield County and
commended her on her upcoming retirement. Abeles-Allison reviewed the County Board Chair
and Vice-Chair Election Rules and announced that the changes suggested at the previous board
meeting were made.
The board members introduced themselves to all present.
5. Election of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Chair:
Strand moved to nominate Pocernich as County Board Chairman. Cederberg asked for other
nominations. No other nominations were made. Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Sandstrom to
close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Pocernich as County Board Chairman.
Motion carried, 13-0.
Pocernich took over the meeting as Chairman.
6. Election of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair:
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Rondeau moved to nominate Strand for County Board Vice-Chair. Pocernich asked for other
nominations three times. No other nominations were made. Motion by Rondeau, seconded by
Ray to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Strand as County Board Vice-Chair.
Motion carried, 13-0.
7. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes from March 29, 2022:
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Fickbohm to approve the Minutes of the Monthly Bayfield
County Board of Supervisors Meeting held on March 29, 2022. Motion carried, 13-0.
8. Highway and Executive Committee Caucus and Highway and Executive Committee
Appointments and Confirmation: After a caucus was held, the board divided themselves into
the Highway and Executive Committees. The committees were assigned as follows:
Highway Committee: Sandstrom, Fickbohm, Oswald, Milanowski, and Crandall
Executive Committee: Dougherty, Strand, Silbert, Pocernich, and Rondeau
Abeles-Allison explained that a sixth appointment to the Executive Committee would be made at
the next Executive Committee meeting.
Motion by Sandstrom, seconded by Rondeau to confirm the appointments to the Highway
Committee. Motion carried, 13-0.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to confirm the appointments to the Executive
Committee. Motion carried, 13-0.
9. Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Orientation:
a) Introduction and Welcome: Divine reviewed the materials the board members
received as part of the orientation. Divine reviewed the process for turning in per
diem sheets.
b) County Board Supervisor Responsibilities: UW Extension Area Director, Mary
Pardee with UW Extension reviewed a presentation describing the supervisors’
roles and responsibilities as elected officials. Ray requested that registration
information regarding the upcoming County Officials Workshop (COWS) be
shared with the board. Oswald asked what a board supervisor’s role would be if a
citizen approached them with a complaint about a department at the county.
Abeles-Allison replied that the recommended course of action would be to take
the concern to the department head or County Administrator. Abeles-Allison
reviewed the committee process for making decisions.
c) Department Review and Policies & Procedures: Human Resources Director,
Kris Kavajecz reviewed the county’s policies and procedures. Abeles-Allison
reviewed the county ethics policy. Dougherty asked for clarification regarding a
supervisor advocating for an issue as a community member. Abeles-Allison
clarified his role. Kavajecz reviewed the county funds and reviewed budgetary
aspects of the county.
d) Open Meetings and Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel, John Carlson
reviewed open records and open meetings laws with the board.
e) Budget and Boards & Committees: Kavajecz reviewed the agenda and minutes
process as well as other meeting processes.
10. Human Services Department: Human Services Director, Elizabeth Skulan gave an overview
presentation of the human services department. The department’s 2022 budget is approximately
$5.3 million with a levy of $1.8 million.
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11. Highway Department: Highway Commissioner, Bob Anderson reviewed the mission and
operations of the highway department. The department’s 2022 budget is a little under $7.5
million.
12. Sheriff’s Office: Bayfield County Sheriff, Paul Susienka gave an overview of the Sheriff’s
Office mission, operations, and office roles. The department’s 2022 budget is a little under $4.6
million with a levy of $4.267 million.
13. Wisconsin Counties Association: Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director, Mark
O’Connell reviewed some of the ways the WCA may assist the county and gave an overview of
the Association.
14. Public Comment: None
15. Bayfield County Proclamation No. 2022-02:
In Recognition of Memorial Day 2022
WHEREAS, the United States government established Memorial Day in 1971 for the purpose of
honoring our men and women that have died while serving in the armed forces; and,
WHEREAS, the freedoms enjoyed by all U.S. citizens have been secured and protected by our military
heroes from the Revolutionary War through today’s ongoing confrontations around the world; and,
WHEREAS, sons and daughters of Bayfield County have made this ultimate sacrifice; and,
WHEREAS, May 30th, 2022, is federally recognized as Memorial Day.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 19th day of April 2022, do hereby designate May 30th, 2022 as Memorial Day in respectful
remembrance of the men and women that have given their lives to the protection of our Nation.
Veterans’ Services Officer, Kevin Johnson recited the proclamation.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to adopt Proclamation No. 2022-02 In Recognition
of Memorial Day 2022. Motion carried, 13-0.
Chairman Pocernich skipped Resolution No. 2022-41 and asked that it be moved to the end of
the agenda to allow Travis Tulowitzky time to get to the meeting.
16. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-42:
In Appreciation of Thomas Snilsberg
WHEREAS, Thomas Snilsberg has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a
member of the County Board for 4 years.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, honors Thomas Snilsberg for his 4 years of public service to Bayfield
County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Strand to adopt resolution No. 2022-42 In Appreciation of
Thomas Snilsberg for 4 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors. Motion carried, 13-0.
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17. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-43:
In Appreciation of David Zepczyk
WHEREAS, David Zepcyzk has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a
member of the County Board for 4 years.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, honors David Zepczyk for his 4 years of public service to Bayfield County
and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead.
Motion by Rekemeyer, seconded by Crandall to adopt Resolution No. 2022-43 In Appreciation of
David Zepczyk for 4 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors. Motion carried, 13-0.
18. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-44:
Retirement of Mary Moore
WHEREAS, Mary Moore has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, honors Mary Moore for her 18 years of public service to Bayfield County
and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Penney to adopt Resolution No. 2022-44 In Recognition and
Appreciation of Mary Moore for 18 Years of Commitment and Service to the Bayfield County
Sheriff’s Office. Motion carried, 13-0.
19. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-45:
To Address District Attorney Office Staffing in 2022
WHEREAS, the volume of serious felony cases in the District Attorney’s Office have hit an all-time
high; and,
WHEREAS, Case volume is impacted by Marcy Law obligations, crime severity, pandemic crime rates,
and public defender shortages; and,
WHEREAS, Victim Witness Programs demands are exceeding available time; and,
WHEREAS, the District Attorney’s Office has time sensitive responsibilities; and,
WHEREAS, Caseloads due to trial and increased volume are exceeding the office’s staffing capacity;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, does hereby authorize increasing the Victim Witness Coordinator position
from 75% to 100% in 2022, and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County will increase support staff from 50% to 75% in
2022; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County District Attorney’s Office will work closely
with the County Administrator’s Office monitoring staff and making recommendations for staffing for
both 2022 and 2023; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funding staff increases may be fully or partially offset by state
victim witness reimbursements, otherwise funds will come from staffing savings from other departments
through a budget amendment later in the year.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution No. 2022-45 To Address
District Attorney Office Staffing in 2022. Motion carried, 13-0.
20. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-46:
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, a request has been made to make the following amendments/additions to the Town of Bell,
Siskiwit Bay Park - Lake Superior facilities:
Recommended Improvements:
• Rest Area with
o Improved/additional accessible restroom facilities with access from inside and outside
o Water bottle filling station
o Picnic areas
o Traveler information
o Showers/foot wash stations
• Interpretive signage
• Parking
• Bike rack
• Outdoor performance area
• Trails to access harbor and Wisconsin Historical Marker area; and,
WHEREAS, on April 11, 2022, the Forestry and Parks Committee was informed of the Plan
amendment, including the items listed above;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, hereby formally approve the above described amendments to the 2020-2024
Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
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Motion by Silbert, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2022-46 Amending the 2020-
2024 Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Motion carried, 13-0.
21. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2022-05:
Motion by Strand, seconded by Silbert to receive and place on file Report No. 2022-05 Petition
to Change District Boundaries of multiple parcels owned by Robert & Jennifer Schierman, Town
of Clover, from Agricultural-One (Ag-1) to Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB). Motion
carried, 13-0.
22. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-05:
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After discussion and amendment, a motion was made by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to adopt
Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-05 Petition to Change District Boundaries of multiple parcels
owned by Robert & Jennifer Schierman, Town of Clover, from Agricultural-One (Ag-1) to
Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB). Motion carried, 13-0.
23. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2022-06:
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Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to receive and place on file Report No. 2022-06 Petition
to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Russell & Nancy Iverson Trustees, Town of
Delta, from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1). Motion carried, 13-0.
24. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-06:
Motion by Strand, seconded by Ray to adopt Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-06 Petition to
Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Russell & Nancy Iverson Trustees, Town of
Delta, from Forestry-Two (F-2) to Agricultural-One (Ag-1). Motion carried, 13-0.
25. Reports;
a) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. May 31, 2022: Budget at 4:00 p.m. monthly meeting 6:00 p.m.
b. Date Change: June 8, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – Joint Tribal Council-County Board Meeting at
Legendary Waters
c. June 28, 2022
d. July 26, 2022
b) UW Madison Extension, County Official Workshops
c) WCA District Meetings: April 27, Holiday Inn Express, Hayward.
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26. Bayfield County Proclamation No. 2022-03:
Quarter of Century of Service Recognition Brett Rondeau Day in Bayfield County
WHEREAS, Public service takes many forms; and,
WHEREAS, Length of service in local government helps ensure continuity; and,
WHEREAS, A commitment to services helps set the example for others; and,
WHEREAS, On the third Tuesday in April, 1998 Brett Rondeau was sworn into office; and,
WHEREAS, Brett Rondeau is now entering his 13th term and 25th year as County Supervisor;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Dennis Pocernich, Chairman, Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, April 27, 2022 as Brett Rondeau Day in Bayfield
County.
12:10 – Sandstrom stepped out of the meeting.
Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Proclamation No. 2022-03 Quarter of a
Century of Service Recognition Brett Rondeau Day in Bayfield County. Motion carried, 12-0, 1
absent.
12:15 – Sandstrom returned to the meeting.
27. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-41:
Recognizing Travis Tulowitzky – Outstanding Conservation Employee of the Year
WHEREAS, Travis Tulowitzky is a long standing employee of the BC Land and Water Conservation
Department; and,
WHEREAS, Annually the Wisconsin Land and Water Association recognizes exemplary employees in
the field; and,
WHEREAS, Travis Tulowitzky was recognized by the Association and named the Outstanding
Conservation Employee of the Year – Conservation Technician;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 19th day of April, 2022, commends Travis for his outstanding work and this amazing
accomplishment.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Ray to adopt Resolution No. 2022-41 Recognizing Travis
Tulowitzky – Outstanding Conservation Employee of the Year. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
12:16 p.m. – The board took a break for lunch.
12:42 p.m. – Sandstrom left the meeting.
12:47 p.m. – The meeting reconvened.
28. Supervisors’ Reports: None
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29. 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 Rondeau to enter Executive/Closed Session at 12:48 p.m.
Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Discussion took place regarding the Closed Session Minutes from March 29, 2022 and WPPA
Negotiations.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Milanowski, seconded by Rondeau to return to Open Session at 1:00 p.m. Motion carried, 12-0,
1 absent.
Open Session;
30. Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat