HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 4/18/2023
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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
Monthly Meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
April 18, 2023
Meeting Held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI
Call to Order: The meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
by Bayfield County Board 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; Jeremy
Oswald-present; Jeff Silbert-present; Fred Strand-present; John Rautio-present; Marty Milanowski-absent;
Madelaine Rekemeyer-present; Jim Crandall-present; Brett Rondeau-present; Dennis Pocernich-present.
Total: 12 present, 1 absent. A quorum was present to conduct business.
Others Present: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison; County Clerk- Lynn M. Divine;
Accountant- Kim Mattson; Landmark Conservancy Representative- Erika Lang; Health Director- Sara
Wartman; Forest Administrator- Jason Bodine; Land Records Administrator- Scott Galetka; Tourism
Director- Mary Motiff; Planning & Zoning Director- Ruth Hulstrom; UW Extension Area Director- Mary
Pardee; Assistant Dean of Extension- Jason Hausler; District Attorney- Kim Lawton; Historical
Preservation Society Representative- Karen Novachek; Northern Lights Services Board Treasurer- Mark
Ehlers; Elizabeth Andre; Mark Peterson; Mike Radke; and Clerk III- Paige Terry
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
The board held a moment of silence for Chetek police officer Emily Breidenbach and Cameron police
officer Hunter Scheel, who were both killed in the line of duty.
Public Comment: Mark Peterson, Town of Bayfield, spoke on the importance of public involvement
and input regarding county decisions and expressed concern regarding the lack of public input
surrounding the Mount Ashwabay Plan and timber sale. Peterson continued, suggesting the county better
utilize public input and involvement as it updates the Comprehensive Plan.
Elizabeth Andre, City of Ashland, spoke on procedural and distributive fairness and the impact that
fairness has on citizen feelings towards decisions that have been made by the county. Andre
recommended putting the Mount Ashwabay project on pause to allow the county to take action on
mediating some of the negative feelings towards the Ashwabay project.
Approval of Minutes from March 28, 2023: Motion by Crandall, seconded by Rondeau, to approve
the March 28, 2023, Minutes of the Monthly Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. Motion carried, 12-
0, 1 absent.
Presentation, Bayfield County / City of Washburn Historical Society: Historical Preservation
Society Representative, Karen Novachek, informed the board that the month of May is historically
preservation month, and the Bayfield County Courthouse would be featured this year. Novachek
reviewed the various Historical Preservation Society activities that are planned throughout the month
and presented a panel of the history of the courthouse to the board. Silbert informed the board that
Novachek recently retired from the Washburn City Council and thanked her for her service.
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UW Madison Extension Presentation, Jason Hausler, Assistant Dean of Extension: Jason Hausler,
Assistant Dean of Extension, introduced himself to the board and reviewed the challenges that Extension
has faced in recent years. Extension is undergoing its first Comprehensive Planning update in several
years. Haulser commended Bayfield County for its involvement and cooperation with UW Extension.
Crandall thanked Hausler for pointing out what Bayfield County is doing well in terms of cooperation
with Extension. Strand presented Hausler with some Bayfield County maple syrup.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-35:
In Recognition of Memorial Day 2023
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 29th, 2023, is federally recognized as Memorial Day.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April 2023, do hereby designate May 29th, 2023 as Memorial Day in respectful
remembrance of the men and women that have given their lives to the protection of our Nation.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-35 In Recognition of
Memorial Day 2023. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-36:
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. 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 to ensure any instance of a
missing or murdered person is met with effective action; and,
WHEREAS, Violence against American/Alaskan Native Women compared to all other races are 2.5
times as likely to experience violent crimes and 2 times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault
crimes; and,
WHEREAS, The root causes of the MMIW injustice include colonization and historical trauma, racism,
and sexual objectification of Indigenous women and girls;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this April 18th, 2023, hereby designates May 5, 2023, as Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons
Awareness Day.
Bayfield County District Attorney, Kim Lawton, thanked the board for its passing of a similar resolution
the year before and spoke about its importance. Lawton also thanked the board for its moment of silence
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at the beginning of the meeting and stated that she was able to attend the funeral procession for the
fallen officers, which had an incredible turnout.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Sandstrom, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-36 In Recognition of Missing
& Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-37
Appreciation of Town, City, Village, and County Clerks and Election Workers for a Smooth April
4, 2023 Election
WHEREAS, the right to vote is one of the most important Constitutional Rights of the American
People; and,
WHEREAS, the election process and its safeguards are equally as important to voters of the United
States; and,
WHEREAS, County Clerks, Municipal Clerks and Election Workers carry out these safeguards to
maintain the integrity of our election process; and,
WHEREAS, the 2023 election had strong turnout for a Spring election, that together with the ever
increasing complexities and challenges made for a long day and night for both Clerks and Election
Workers; and,
WHEREAS, despite these challenges, clerks and election workers made the Constitutional Right of
Voting a smooth and seamless process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April 2023, shares its sincere appreciation for the planning, effort and time all local
government clerks and election workers spent to ensure a successful election day on April 4, 2023.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Rautio to adopt Resolution No. 2023-37 Appreciation of Town, City,
Village, and County Clerks and Election Workers for a Smooth April 4, 2023 Election. Motion carried,
12-0, 1 absent.
Divine gave a review of the election to the board and stated that turnout was high for a spring election.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-38
In Recognition and Appreciation of Coni Wickingson for 13 Years of Commitment and Service in
the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office
WHEREAS, Coni Wickingson has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April, 2023, honors Coni Wickingson for her 13 years of public service to Bayfield
County and expresses gratitude for her efforts, wishing her well in the years ahead.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Resolution No. 2023-38 In Recognition and
Appreciation of Coni Wickingson for 13 Years of Commitment and Service in the Bayfield County
Sheriff’s Office. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
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Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-39
In Recognition and Appreciation of Jeffrey Kistner for 28 Years of Commitment and Service in
the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office
WHEREAS, Jeffrey Kistner has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and dedication in the
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April, 2023, honors Jeffrey Kistner for his 28 years of public service to Bayfield County
and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Resolution No. 2023-39 In Recognition and
Appreciation of Jeffrey Kistner for 28 Years of Commitment and Service in the Bayfield County Sheriff’s
Office. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee No. 2023-06
Petition to Change District Boundaries of a Parcel Owned by Chad & Robin Lisdahl, Town of
Iron River, from Forestry-One (F-1) to Residential-One (R-1)
Hulstrom informed the board that the applicant is applying for a rezone because the parcel does not
currently meet the F-1 requirements and the applicant is looking to construct a new garage on the parcel.
The Zoning Department does not have any concerns with the application.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Silbert to receive and place on file Report No. 2023-06 Petition to
Change District Boundaries of a Parcel Owned by Chad & Robin Lisdahl, Town of Iron River, from
Forestry-One (F-1) to Residential-One (R-1). Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
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Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2023-06
Petition to Change District Boundaries of a Parcel Owned by Chad & Robin Lisdahl, Town of
Iron River, from Forestry-One (F-1) to Residential-One (R-1)
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Rautio to adopt Amendatory Ordinance No. 2023-06 Petition to
Change District Boundaries of a Parcel Owned by Chad & Robin Lisdahl, Town of Iron River, from
Forestry-One (F-1) to Residential-One (R-1). Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-40
Amendment to the 2020-2024 Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to
Update the Entry for the Brownstone Trail
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,
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WHEREAS, the Plan outlines current and future outdoor recreation facility needs of Bayfield County
that can be adequately maintained and/or developed; and,
WHEREAS, occasionally, the Plan will be updated to account for changes and/or modifications in
outdoor recreation planning and/or facility needs; and,
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Department is charged with maintaining the Plan; and,
WHEREAS, requests have been made to make the following amendments/updates to the Plan:
1. Brownstone Trail (see Exhibit A); and,
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2023, the Forestry and Parks Committee approved amending the Plan to
include the items listed above;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April, 2023, hereby formally approve the above described amendments to the 2020-2024
Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Forest Administrator, Jason Bodine, reviewed the amendment to the Outdoor Recreation Plan regarding
the Brownstone Trail with the board. Fickbohm questions if all of the easements on the trail were
permanent. Landmark Conservancy Representative, Erika Lang, explained that some properties have
perpetual easements while a few have temporary easements; however, Landmark is working with the
property owners to change make these easements perpetual.
Motion by Ray, seconded by Fickbohm to adopt Resolution No. 2023-40 Amendment to the 2020-2024
Bayfield County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to Update the Entry for the Brownstone Trail.
Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-41
Accepting the Transfer of Land Ownership MOU of Approximately Four Acres of Land in the
Town of Bayfield from Landmark Conservancy
WHEREAS, over the past six years, a portion of Lake Superior shoreline just south of the City of
Bayfield, in the Town of Bayfield, has suffered significant erosion, causing damage to the popular
publicly accessible Brownstone Trail (see Exhibit A for a location of the property); and,
WHEREAS, Landmark Conservancy (Landmark) and Bayfield County (County) share a mutual interest
in working together to restore this important recreation asset by addressing the shoreline and near-slope
erosion, reconstructing the Brownstone Trail, creating a public trailhead, fostering native habitat, and
transforming a portion of the area into a park with community space; and,
WHEREAS, the land is currently owned by Landmark, having been purchased to achieve restoration
goals; and,
WHEREAS, Landmark wishes to transfer ownership of the land to the County, in part, to better
facilitate the restoration work and position the property for future use as a community park space; and,
WHEREAS, the County is amenable to accepting the transfer of ownership from Landmark; and,
WHEREAS, Landmark and the County jointly created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to
define the roles, responsibilities, obligations and expectations of each Party, including the shoreline and
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Brownstone Trail restoration work, management of the lease with the previous landowners (see Exhibit
B), plans to address the existing buildings and associated infrastructure, and plans to establish a future
community park space; and,
WHEREAS, the Forestry and Parks Committee recommended this project during their April 10, 2023
Forestry and Parks Committee meeting; and,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Executive Committee on April 13, 2023, reviewed and made
suggestions to amend the MOU and forwarded to the full board; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Bayfield and Town of Bayfield have both formally expressed their support for
the transfer of ownership to Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Corporation Counsel has reviewed the documents and is comfortable
proceeding;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 18th day of April, 2023 accepts the transfer of land, as described above, and as outlined in the MOU.
Bodine explained that Forestry is working with Landmark Conservancy on changes that have been
suggested for the MOU and stated that the scope of the project would not change. Silbert questioned if
Corporation Counsel had a chance to review the MOU to which Abeles-Allison replied that they have.
Strand recommended the MOU be changed to a legal contract and the eighth bullet under Landmark
Conservancy’s responsibilities in the MOU be changed to read “Upon County’s request Landmark’s
Board of Directors shall, accept the return of ownership of the property in the event that full funding for
slope and trail restoration is not secured by the end of 2028.”
After discussion and amendment, a motion was made by Strand, seconded by Silbert to adopt Resolution
No. 2023-41 Accepting the Transfer of Land Ownership MOU of Approximately Four Acres of Land in
the Town of Bayfield from Landmark Conservancy under the conditions that MOU be changed to Legal
Contract; the following changes be made to the eighth bullet under Landmark Conservancy’s
Responsibilities be changed to read “Upon County’s request Landmark’s Board of Directors shall
accept the return of ownership of the property in the event that full funding for slope and trail
restoration is not secured by the end of 2028;” the phrase “the Bayfield community” in the seventh
bullet of the same section be changed to read “Bayfield County;” and approving the previously
discussed changes. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-42
Applying for a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Unit of Government Grant for Bayfield
County Land on the Brownstone Trail
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is partnering with Landmark Conservancy on the restoration of the Lake
Superior shoreline and portions of the Brownstone Trail on approximately four acres of land in the
Town of Bayfield; and,
WHEREAS, the restoration work would focus on restoring the Brownstone Trail through activities such
as shoreline stabilization, reshaping the slope for the Brownstone Trail, and trail creation; and,
WHEREAS, through the MOU with Landmark Conservancy, Bayfield County will seek grant funding
to be used for the restoration project; and,
WHEREAS, the total cost of the restoration project is estimated to be $2 million; and,
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WHEREAS, financial aid is required to carry out the project; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County is requesting $200,000 in financial assistance from the Stewardship Local
Units of Government (LUG) grant; and,
WHEREAS, said LUG program grant may provide funding for up to 50% of the restoration work, with
Bayfield County, through collaboration with Landmark Conservancy, being required to provide the
remaining 50% match; and,
WHEREAS, due to the overall project size and scope, unforeseen expenses are a valid potential. To
address unanticipated expenses, Bayfield County, through collaboration with Landmark Conservancy,
also intends to allocate additional funds, up to $20,000, with the understanding that some or all of these
expenses may not be reimbursable through the LUG grant, in the event that such expenses may occur;
and,
WHEREAS, due to stronger than anticipated timber sales in 2023, as well as anticipated sizeable
carbon offset returns, the additional expenses of up to $20,000 would come from the Bayfield County
Forestry and Parks budget;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, that
Bayfield County requests $200,000 in available funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources under the Knowles – Nelson Stewardship Local Units of Government grant program; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the
Forestry and Parks Administrator and County Administrator to act on behalf of Bayfield County to:
submit an application to the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for any financial aid
that may be available; submit signed documents; submit reimbursement claims along with necessary
supporting documentation within six months of the project completion date; and take all necessary and
required action(s) to undertake, direct, and complete the approved project; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County will comply with state or federal rules for the
programs; may perform force account work; will maintain the completed project in an attractive,
inviting and safe manner; will keep the facilities open to the general public during reasonable hours
consistent with the type of facility; and will obtain from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources or the National Park Service approval, in writing, before any change is made in the use of the
project site; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this this
18th day of April, 2023 approves the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Unit of Government grant
application, as presented.
Bodine explained that Bayfield County is obligated to work with Landmark Conservancy for funding
opportunities for the project. Strand recommended the phrase “MOU” under the third whereas clause be
changed to “Legal Contract.”
Motion by Strand, seconded by Crandall to adopt Resolution No. 2023-42 Applying for a Knowles-
Nelson Stewardship Local Unit of Government Grant for Bayfield County Land on the Brownstone Trail
with the correction to change the phrase “MOU” under the third whereas clause to “Legal Contract.”
Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-43
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A Resolution to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in Support of a Community
Development Investment (CDI) Grant – CORE Community Resources
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) accepts applications for a
Community Development Investment Grant to assist with the funding of new construction and/or
redevelopment of rural downtown districts; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the application process for a Community Development Investment Grant, the
applicants seeking the grant must provide the WEDC with a signed resolution by the local government
authorizing the submittal of an application; and,
WHEREAS, CORE Community Resources located at 257 Manypenny Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814 has
proposed building an addition at the back of the existing building that will serve to create more space
and accessibility for the food pantry and community center. The first floor of the addition will be
utilized as a shop-in and drive-up food pantry while the second floor will have handicap-accessible
offices for staff along with a meeting room; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed reconstruction of the property will support the quality of life and economic
health of the City of Bayfield and Bayfield County as a whole; and,
WHEREAS, the County seeks to collaborate with the CORE Community Resources to assist 257
Manypenny Avenue in obtaining the Community Development Investment Grant as the County cannot
help facilitate the development of the property in any other way;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April 2023, does hereby authorize the submission of an application for a Community
Development Investment Grant to the WEDC for the real property located at 257 Manypenny Avenue,
Bayfield, WI, and authority is granted to the proper County officials to take the necessary steps to
prepare and file the appropriate application for funds under this program in accordance with this
resolution and that the proper County officials are hereby authorized to sign all necessary documents on
behalf of Bayfield County.
Dougherty reported that the City of Bayfield passed a resolution in support of the project earlier in the
evening and reviewed the construction that would be taking place. Dougherty stated that she would
abstain from voting on the item.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Rautio to adopt Resolution No. 2023-43 A Resolution to the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation in Support of a Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant –
CORE Community Resources. Motion carried, 11-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain (Dougherty).
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-44
Staffing Budget Amendment, 2023 Tourism, Land Records, and CCO
WHEREAS, Tourism is a critical industry for Bayfield County; and,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Tourism Department oversees the County Fair and Fairgrounds; and,
WHEREAS, workload for the fair and tourism department workload is increasing with campground and
fairgrounds opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, the Land Records Department has experienced a surge in new parcel creations; and,
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WHEREAS, staff turnover, including the Real Property Lister, has resulted in the need for
supplemental training time; and,
WHEREAS, Consolidated Dispatch Grant opportunities require a minimum of eight full-time CCO
staff; and,
WHEREAS, Dispatch Grants will result in improved emergency dispatch and additional services at the
Bayfield County dispatch center;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 18th day of April, 2023, hereby approves the following budget amendments:
• Increase Tourism Specialist staffing from 0.62 FTE to 0.75 FTE, Effective May 1, 2023
• Increase Land Records Clerk 1 staffing from 0 FTE to 0.5 FTE, Effective May 1, 2023
• Increase CCO staff from 6 FTE to 8 FTE, Effective May 1, 2023; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the fund balance be used for the Tourism, Land Records, and
CCO staffing increases, less a 30% Ashland County contribution; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following line-item adjustments be made:
CCO Staffing Increase:
100-17-52602-50121 by $60,288
100-17-52602-50151 by $ 4,660
100-17-52602-50153 by $ 4,142
100-17-52602-50154 by $28,004
100-17-52602-50155 by $ 13
Increase Ashland Portion:
100-17-47325 by $29,132
Increase Fund Balance Applied:
100-00-49301 by $67,975
Land Records Increase:
100-13-51741-50122 by $12,950
100-13-51741-50151 by $ 990
Increase Fund Balance Applied:
100-00-49301 by $13,940
Fair Coordinator
Increase:
100-23-55461-50122 by $ 7,114
100-23-55461-50151 by $ 544
100-23-55461-50152 by $ 476
100-23-46740 by $ 1,000
100-23-46742 by $ 1,000
100-23-46743 by $ 1,000
100-23-46745 by $ 1,500
100-23-46747 by $ 2,000
100-23-48202 by $ 1,634
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Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2023-44 Staffing Budget
Amendment, 2023 Tourism, Land Records, and CCO. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Local Government Scholarship Applicants: Abeles-Allison informed the board that the office has
received three applications for the scholarship and is waiting for the essay submission from one of the
applicants. There is $2,000 available in funds for the scholarship and Abeles-Allison stated that the
funds could be divided three ways between all applicants or each of the applicants can receive $500 as
outlined in the scholarship announcement.
Motion by Silbert, seconded by Sandstrom to divide the $2,000 to all three applicants if all applications
and essays are received or to award the two completed applications $500 each. Fickbohm suggested the
total funds be divided three ways between all the applicants as long as the final essay is turned in. Silbert
and Sandstrom withdrew their motion. Motion by Fickbohm, seconded by Sandstrom to divide the total
funds of $2,000 among the completed received applications. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Confirmation of Multiple Appointments:
a) Board of Health: Abeles-Allison reported that the Board of Health currently has two openings.
Oswald informed the board that the Board of Health has received applications from Kathryn
Stolp and Kathleen Carlson and is recommending both to be appointed. Motion by Oswald,
seconded by Silbert to confirm the appointments of Kathryn Stolp and Kathleen Carlson to the
Board of Health. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
b) Housing Authority: Abeles-Allison reported that the position is still open, and no applications
have been received. Motion by Ray, seconded by Rondeau to give Abeles-Allison the authority to
appoint an individual to the Bayfield County Housing Authority without having to wait for the
next board meeting. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Appointment to Broadband Committee: Abeles-Allison reported that the Northwest Regional
Planning Commission has started the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and
is requesting Bayfield County to appoint a representative to the committee. Strand recommended
Abeles-Allison’s appointment to the committee. After discussion and amendment, a motion was made by
Crandall, seconded by Strand to appoint Mark Abeles-Allison, or his designated representative, to the
Broadband Committee. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-45
Courthouse HVAC Project Budget Amendment
Abeles-Allison explained that construction in the Courthouse buildings continues and that multiple
change orders regarding the project have been received. Abeles-Allison reviewed the change orders with
the board which included approximately $21,573 for UV, $36,000 for a humidifier in the Register of
Deeds Office, and $50,754 for electrical work in the Annex building. The board discussed the numbers
that were presented and the possibility of using dollars from the fund balance to cover the additional
costs. There was no resolution prepared for this item.
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Ray to approve utilizing a maximum of $120,000 in fund balance
dollars to cover the additional costs of UV, ionization, humidification, and Annex electrical work. Roll
Call Vote: Dougherty-yes; Ray-yes; Silbert-yes; Rautio-yes; Rekemeyer-yes; Rondeau-yes; Pocernich-
yes; Crandall-yes; Milanowski-absent; Strand-yes; Oswald-yes; Fickbohm-yes; Sandstrom-yes. Motion
carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Sheriff Body and Dash Camera Proposal: Abeles-Allison explained that the Sheriff needed more time
to prepare for this item. Chairman Pocernich dispensed with the item.
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Reports:
a) WCA 2024 Resolution Topics: Abeles-Allison reported that resolution topics will need to be
finalized at the next meeting.
b) Budget 2024 Priority Planning Session, May 30, 4:00 PM
c) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. May 30, 2023
b. June 27, 2023
c. July 25, 2023
Supervisory Reports: Oswald reported that the Emergency Management Director, Meagan Quaderer,
reported at the previous Sheriff’s Committee meeting that she has been assisting Ashland County in
response to the damage caused by flooding as Ashland County lacks an Emergency Management
Director.
Fickbohm reported that he and his wife visited a police officer memorial wall in Washington D.C., and
were able to find the names of two Bayfield County officers on the wall.
Crandall reported that the Highway Commissioner, Bob Anderson, gave an estimation of $100,000
worth of damage to the county highways from flooding and stated that the Highway Department has
applied to Wisconsin Emergency Management for cost reimbursements.
Chairman Pocernich reported that he declared an emergency declaration on April 13, 2023 to allow the
county to apply for grants.
Closed Session: Motion by Oswald, seconded by Ray, to enter Executive/Closed Session at 7:28 p.m. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent.
Discussion took place regarding the Closed Session Minutes from March 28, 2023 as well as
Negotiations with Northern Lights Services.
There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by
Rondeau, seconded by Sandstrom, to return to Open Session at Sandstrom 8:13 p.m. Motion carried, 12-
0, 1 absent.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat