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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 6/28/2022 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 June 28, 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 6:00 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-arrived late; Larry Fickbohm-present; Charly Ray-absent; Jeremy Oswald-present; Jeff Silbert-present; Fred Strand-present; Marty Milanowski-present virtually; Madelaine Rekemeyer-present; Jim Crandall-present; Brett Rondeau-present; Dennis Pocernich-present. Total: 11 present, 1 absent, 1 vacant. 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; Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-Craig Thompson; Emergency Management Director- Meagan Quaderer virtually; Northwest Regional Planning Commission Representative-Sheldon Johnson; UW Extension Area Director-Mary Pardee; and Clerk III- Paige Terry virtually. 3. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. 4. Appointment and Confirmation of New County Board Member, District 9, Town of Iron River: Chairman Pocernich informed the board that Jeanna Penney had resigned from her position as board supervisor for District 9 and stated that five citizens had turned in applications for the position. Chairman Pocernich nominated John Rautio to fill the vacancy. Oswald questioned what criteria led to Rautio’s nomination over the other applicants. Chairman Pocernich and Strand answered that Rautio’s experience on the town board, along with his seat on the Iron River Sanitary District, and his passion for the position led to his nomination. Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to confirm the appointment of John Rautio to the County Board of Supervisors as Board Supervisor for District 9, Town of Iron River. Motion carried, 10-0, 2 absent, 1 vacant. County Clerk, Lynn Divine, swore in John Rautio for the County Board as the board supervisor for District 9. 6:05 – Mary Dougherty joined the meeting. 6:06 – John Rautio joined the board as the district 9 supervisor. 5. Presentation by Craig Thompson, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Transportation: WI DOT secretary, Craig Thompson, gave a review of DOT funding and project allocations. Abeles- Allison reviewed several road projects that impact the Bayfield County community. 2 Crandall presented Secretary Thompson with a piece of a plow blade from one of the county plows. 6. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-65: In Appreciation of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Transportation Day Designation, July 7, 2022 WHEREAS, Wisconsin Counties have a unique partnership with the State for the maintenance and repair of State Highways; and, WHEREAS, This partnership involves strong collaboration between county highway departments and state transportation officials; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County is responsible for 172 miles of state highway including US 2, State Highways 13, 63 and 118; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department works daily with Mike Ostrenga, Dave Deblaey and Dennis Danowski providing invaluable assistance; and, WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation oversees the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) and Economic Development Transportation programs making county highway upgrades to allow for local business expansion and transit programs helping to move residents from their homes to places of business and beyond; and, WHEREAS, the reach of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is far and wide, addressing Transportation Infrastructure, Public Transport, Cruise and Trucking Industry, Logistics, Taxi and Drivers, Tours, Vehicle Rentals, Insurance, Vehicle Marketing and Sales; and, WHEREAS, these efforts help to create a vibrant transportation system and weaves together our distant communities into one county and one state; and, WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation provided funding through the Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) Grant Program, addressing critical transportation needs in Wisconsin, Bayfield County’s MLS grant on County Highway J is under construction today; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of June 2022, formally welcomes the Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation, Craig Thompson to Bayfield County; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County extends its appreciation for excellence in transportation services provided to Bayfield County; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County declares Thursday, July 7th, as Transportation Appreciation Day in Bayfield County. Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to adopt Resolution No. 2022-65 In appreciation of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and In Recognition of Transportation Day. Motion carried 12-0, 1 absent. 7. Public Hearing: Community Development Block Grant – CV Progress Review: 3 Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NWRPC) Representative, Sheldon Johnson, reviewed the CDBG-CV grants that were received by Bayfield County to supply microenterprise loans and homeowners’ assistance loans as well as a $600,000 grant for the Northern Lights Nursing Home to complete necessary repairs. The NWRPC has received six applications for microenterprise loans and three applications for the homeowners’ assistance loans. Northern Lights contracts were awarded last month. 8. Public Comment: None. 9. Discussion and Possible Action; Consent Agenda: a) Minutes from May 31, 2022: b) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-66; In Recognition and Appreciation of Richard “Dick” Weidinger for 31 Years of Dedication and Service to the Bayfield County Highway Department: Retirement of Richard “Dick” Weidinger WHEREAS, Richard Weidinger has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the Bayfield County Highway Department for 31 years, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Richard Weidinger for his 31 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead. c) Employees, Departments, and Elected Officials of the Year: a. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-67; Peter Morrissette Courthouse Employee of the Year 2022: Peter Morrissette Courthouse Employee of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees; and, WHEREAS, Peter Morrissette has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in the Bayfield County Health Department for 12 years; and, WHEREAS, his fellow employees have determined that he reflects the highest level of values within his work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Peter Morrissette as Employee of the Year for 2022, for his dedication and service to Bayfield County. b. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-68; Sarah Traaholt Courthouse Employee of the Year 2022: Sarah Traaholt Courthouse Employee of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees; and, WHEREAS, Sarah Traaholt has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in the Bayfield County Human Services Department for 9 years; and, 4 WHEREAS, her fellow employees have determined that she reflects the highest level of values within her work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Sarah Traaholt as Employee of the Year for 2022, for her dedication and service to Bayfield County. c. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-69; Michael Kastern Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year 2022: Michael Kastern Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees; and, WHEREAS, Michael Kastern has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years; and, WHEREAS, his fellow employees have determined that he reflects the highest level of values within his work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Michael Kastern as Employee of the Year for 2022, for his dedication and service to Bayfield County. d. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-70; Veteran’s Services Courthouse Department of the Year 2022: Veteran’s Services Courthouse Department of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees and departments; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Office has demonstrated strong cooperation with other departments; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Office has received commendations from other departments, citizens, or community organizations; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Office saves Bayfield County time, energy, or dollars through their efforts; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Office encourages others through their positive image and attitude; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Office as Department of the Year 2022. e. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-71; Highway Courthouse Department of the Year 2022: 5 Highway Courthouse Department of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees and departments; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department has demonstrated strong cooperation with other departments; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department has received commendations from other departments, citizens, or community organizations; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department saves Bayfield County time, energy, or dollars through their efforts; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department encourages others through their positive image and attitude; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors the Bayfield County Highway Department as Department of the Year 2022. f. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-72; Kay Cederberg Elected Official of Year 2022: Kay Cederberg Elected Official of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees; and, WHEREAS, Kay Cederberg has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in the Bayfield County Clerk of Court Office for 33 years; and, WHEREAS, her fellow employees have determined that she reflects the highest level of values within her work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Kay Cederberg as Elected Official of the Year for 2022, for her dedication and service to Bayfield County. g. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-73; Paul Susienka Elected Official of the Year 2022: Paul Susienka Elected Official of the Year 2022 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors recognizes the value of dedicated employees; and, WHEREAS, Paul Susienka has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication in the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office for 39 years; and, WHEREAS, his fellow employees have determined that he reflects the highest level of values within his work group and promotes a positive image of Bayfield County; 6 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, honors Paul Susienka as Elected Official of the Year for 2022, for his dedication and service to Bayfield County. d) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-74; 2022 Bayfield County Fair Awareness and Engagement Monday: 2022 Bayfield County Fair Awareness and Engagement Monday WHEREAS, this year’s Bayfield County Fair will be August 11-14 at the Bayfield County Fairgrounds in Iron River; and WHEREAS, the County Fair celebrates Bayfield County, its people and culture; and, WHEREAS, People of all ages participate in the fair, from the very young with their projects, to the superintendents with years of experience; and, WHEREAS, Any resident of the State of Wisconsin can enter items for judging at the Bayfield County Fair up until right before the event; and, WHEREAS, the Fair attracts and involves a diverse group of participants ranging from the county’s 4H clubs, Dirt Dash to the people attending the Monster Truck event; and, WHEREAS, Holding a county fair is a major endeavor requiring months of planning, coordinating, organizing and promoting; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Fair Committee works throughout the year to prepare for the event; and, WHEREAS, the Fair is always in need of dedicated volunteers; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of June 2022, do hereby recognize all those who help to make this important event a success; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in anticipation of the 2022 Bayfield County Fair, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, do hereby Proclaim the month of July 2022 as Fair Awareness and Engagement Month in Bayfield County. Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Sandstrom to approve the minutes of May 31, 2022, and to adopt Resolutions No. 2022-66, No. 2022-67, No. 2022-68, No. 2022-69, No. 2022-70, No. 2022- 71, No. 2022-72, No. 2022-73, No. 2022-74. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 a. 10. Presentation, Ad Hoc EMS Advisory Committee Report: Sandstrom gave a brief review of the purpose of the committee and the importance of EMS in the county. Emergency Management Director, Meagan Quaderer and Committee Member, Eric Neff, spoke on the importance of EMS throughout the county and the impact it has on the community. A question was asked regarding the difference between essential and non-essential services. Quaderer explained the difference between essential and non-essential services and stated that federal funding is available to essential services, but not non-essential. EMS is primarily funded through town levies or privatized services. Motion by Sandstrom, seconded by Fickbohm to receive and place on file the Ad Hoc EMS Advisory Committee Final Report. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 7 11. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-75: In Support of Rural Emergency Medical Services in Bayfield County WHEREAS, Bayfield County established a multi-jurisdictional EMS Advisory Committee to help develop specific strategies to address challenges county EMS providers were facing; and, WHEREAS, the Committee met from September 2021 until June 2022 and completed a final report; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County’s focus was to facilitate the process, the Committee documented recommendations in the areas of Training, Staffing, and Legislative Challenges that could develop into county specific actions; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County wants to provide continued support to EMS in Bayfield County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 28th day of June 2022, hereby commits to advocate at a local, regional, and state level, regarding actions agreed upon jointly with the EMS Council, Jurisdictions, and Agencies as it relates to the Training, Staffing, and Legislative topic areas; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County commits to developing a 911 education program through the Bayfield County Emergency Management Office; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County agrees to investigate utilization of the state “county wide” mill levy exception in support of municipal EMS decisions; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County commits to actively search for alternate sources of funding to be distributed as directed by county jurisdictions; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County commits to sponsoring annual Emergency Services appreciation events, in collaboration with jurisdictions, EMS agencies and the EMS Council to support and promote Emergency Services; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County commits to promote and encourage EMS Agency participation in the County Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County will provide meeting facilities and facilitation resources to jurisdictions, EMS agencies, and the EMS Council as needed; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County requests that jurisdictions, EMS agencies, and the EMS Council jointly submit an EMS legislative agenda for the County to consider annually by May 20; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County shall host and coordinate an annual meeting of agencies and local jurisdictions in November of each year with Northwood Technical College to discuss training offerings to meet Bayfield County EMS educational needs. Strand recommended sending the resolution to the Sheriff’s Committee for recommendation before adopting the resolution. Oswald question the county commitments listed in the resolution and expressed concerned that Quaderer may be stretched too thin if she is required to play a role 8 in each of the events. Quaderer expressed her desire to do what is asked of her so she can ensure this problem continues to be discussed. Motion by Strand, seconded by Crandall to forward the resolution to the Sheriff’s Committee for review and to have the Sheriff’s Committee report back to the County Board. Motion carried, 12- 0, 1 absent. 12. Report of the Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2022-08: 9 Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to receive and place on file Report No. 2022-08 Petition to Amend Sections 13-1-29 of the Bayfield County Code of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 13. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-08: 10 11 Motion by Strand, seconded by Silbert to adopt Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-08 Petition to Amend Sections 13-1-29 of the Bayfield County Code of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2022-76: Forestry and Parks Department 2022 Budget Amendment Accepting USFS Community Forests Grant and Expenditures for the Replacement of County Forest Lands WHEREAS, via Resolution 2022-06, the County Board gave the Forestry and Parks Department (Department) authorization to develop a roughly 2,001 acre land acquisition project, in part, to replace county forest lands that were previously sold to the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Red Cliff); and, WHEREAS, since 2017, Bayfield County has transferred a total of 1,582 acres of county land to Red Cliff; and, WHEREAS, all county forest land proceeds are required to be re-invested in the purchase of replacement lands, that will be enrolled in County Forest Law and managed as part of the county forest; and, WHEREAS, the Department has partnered with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on the development of this land acquisition project, including assistance with various grant applications; and, WHEREAS, the final value of this land acquisition project is approximately $2,531,000, which includes the value of the land and closing costs; and, 12 WHEREAS, as part of the land acquisition project, two external funding sources have been targeted to assist with the purchase: the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant for County Forest Land Acquisitions and the USFS Community Forests Grant; and, WHEREAS, the Department has secured $2,431,000, which includes approximately $1,831,000 in proceeds (some in fund balance) from lands sold to Red Cliff and $600,000 in Community Forests grant funding (if formally awarded); and, WHEREAS, $845,000 was budgeted for this project, however $422,000 is not needed out of the 100 fund balance; and, WHEREAS, the Stewardship application is still under review; and, WHEREAS, TPL has negotiated a purchase agreement with the current landowner, Ceres Timber, on behalf of Bayfield County, that expires on June 30, 2022; and, WHEREAS, TPL has committed to completing the purchase, on behalf of Bayfield County, and is willing to hold the land until a final decision has been made on the Stewardship grant, or February 15, 2023, whichever comes first; and, WHEREAS, before completing the transaction, TPL is requiring assurance from Bayfield County, that Bayfield County will purchase the land from TPL, under the same terms, before the deadline listed above; and, WHEREAS, to complete the land acquisition project, as outlined above, with the funds that have currently been secured, Bayfield County will need to allocate an additional approximately $100,000; and, WHEREAS, if additional external funding sources are awarded before the final transaction between Bayfield County and TPL is completed, this additional allocation of county funds will likely not be required; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 28th day of June, 2022, approves accepting the USFS Community Forests grant (if formally awarded) and allocating the additional funds required to purchase the land, from TPL, and approves the following amendment to the 2022 Forestry and Parks Department budget: Increase 430-34-57100-50252 $1,086,000 Purchase of Land Decrease 430-70-49301 $10,000 Fund Balance Applied Decrease 430-70-49201 $422,000 Transfer from 100 Fund Increase 430-34-46813 $1,518,000 Land Sales Increase 430-34-43260 $600,000 USFS Community Forests Grant Increase 430-34-56132-50252 $600,000 USFS Community Forests Grant Decrease 100-00-59430-50820 $422,000 Transfer to 430 Fund Decrease 100-00-49301 $422,000 Fund Balance Applied 13 Motion by Strand, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2022-76 Forestry and Parks Department 2022 Budget Amendment Accepting USFS Community Forests Grant and Expenditures for the Replacement of County Forest Lands. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom-yes; Dougherty-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Oswald-yes; Silbert-yes; Strand-yes; Rautio-yes; Milanowski- yes; Rekemeyer-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Pocernich-yes; Ray-absent. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 15. UW Extension Annual Report 2021: UW Extension Area Director, Mary Pardee, delivered the UW Extension 2021 annual report which reviewed all the programs that UW Extension is currently offering. Motion by Crandall, seconded by Rautio to receive and place on file the UW Extension Annual Report 2021. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 16. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2022-09: Discussion took place regarding the changes being proposed and the possibility of the ordinance being proposed preemptively. It was suggested that the ordinance be postponed for a further meeting to ensure all the proposed changes are being made accurately and appropriately. Chairman Pocernich tabled the item until the next meeting to allow time to complete a final draft of the ordinance and to ensure all the recommendations made by corporation counsel could be properly implemented. 17. Reports; a) Budget Priority Summary Review: Abeles-Allison reviewed the budget priorities that were presented at the previous meeting. Housing, EMS, Highways, Seniors, Levy. Top five. (review narrative). Abeles-Allison reported that budget directives have been sent out to the departments with a July 1 deadline. b) Future County Board Meeting Dates: a. July 26, 2022 b. August 30, 2022 c. September 27, 2022 Abeles-Allison informed the board that concern regarding the performance of a department head was expressed at a recent meeting and urged the board to report any concerns or complaints to him as he is responsible for monitoring each of the department heads except for the elected officials. The board of supervisors introduced themselves to John Rautio. 18. Supervisors’ Reports: None. 19. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LYNN M. DIVINE Bayfield County Clerk LMD/pat