HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 7/25/2023
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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
July 25, 2023
Meeting Held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI
Call to Order: The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at
6:02 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; Larry Fickbohm-present; Jeremy Oswald-
present; Fred Strand-present; Marty Milanowski-present; Jim Crandall-present; Dennis Pocernich-present;
Mary Dougherty-present; Charly Ray-present virtually; Jeff Silbert-present; John Rautio-present;
Madelaine Rekemeyer-present; Brett Rondeau-present. Total: 13 present, 0 absent. A quorum was present
to conduct business.
Others Present: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison; County Clerk- Lynn M. Divine;
Accountant- Kim Mattson (virtually); Bookkeeper- Gail Reha (virtually); Emergency Management
Director- Meagan Quaderer (virtually); Veteran’s Services Officer- Kevin Johnson; UW Extension
Community Development Educator- Kellie Pederson; UW Extension Housing Educator- Kelly Westlund;
Human Services Director- Elizabeth Skulan; Veterans Affairs Congressional District 7 Representative-
Jason Maloney; Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary- Kathy Blumenfeld; Wisconsin
Department of Administration Deputy Secretary- Chris Patton; Wisconsin Division of Gaming
Administrator- John Dillet; State Senator for District 25- Romaine Quinn; Board of Commissioners of
Public Lands Representative- Tom German; Division Administrator of Intergovernmental Relations- Dawn
Vick; Legal Counsel at Wisconsin Division of Gaming- Jeff Simmons; Northwest Regional Planning
Commission President- Sheldon Johnson; Public Health Director- Sara Wartman; and Clerk III- Paige
Terry
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Bayfield County Fair Presentation: The Bayfield County Fair will take place August 10-13, 2023.
Abeles-Allison distributed Fair advertisement flyers to the board and ask that they be posted. Fair
exhibitors will be given free entry to the fair. Pocernich stated that the Fair is still looking for volunteers.
Veteran’s Affairs Secretary James Bond, Presentation and Q&A: Veteran’s Affairs Secretary,
James Bond, gave a review of his history with the office and his career. Crandall presented Bond with a
key to Bayfield County.
Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, Presentation and Q&A: Department
of Administration Secretary, Kathy Blumenfeld, spoke on a number of challenges and projects being
addressed by the department. Oswald presented Blumenfeld with a key to Bayfield County.
Division of Gaming Administrator, John Dillet, reviewed his responsibilities and explained the role of
the division.
Senator, Romain Quinn, spoke on a number of topics being addressed by the state as well as a number of
potential funding opportunities for the county and municipalities.
Board of Commissioners of Public Lands representative, Tom German, reviewed the role of the board.
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Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-76:
In Recognition of the Wisconsin Department of Administration
WHEREAS, the Department of Administration develops and implements the state budget and supports
state agencies; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin’s assistance in recent years has been unparalleled in both financial
and technical support; and,
WHEREAS, the Department’s Coastal Management program is instrumental in Bayfield County
achieving its conservation and watershed protection goals, and increasing and improving our residents’
and visitors’ use and enjoyment of our coastal resources; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has benefitted from policies and procedures adopted by the Department
of Administration through other programs including Housing, Planning, and Economic Development;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 25th day of July 2023, expresses appreciation for the dedication and commitment the Department of
Administration demonstrates in carrying out its duties; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that continued assistance in helping the county achieve natural
resource protection/conservation and watershed protection goals be considered; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County asks for the Department’s assistance in
addressing affordable housing needs in the region; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County asks for guidance and support in addressing the
service and infrastructure needs of an aging community, including senior housing, continuum of care
services (assisted living, nursing home) community accessibility concerns and flexible transportation
options; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County asks for the Department’s assistance to help
rural communities in Northwest Wisconsin improve energy infrastructure, enhance climate resilience
and meet the energy demands of the future.
Strand presented a copy of the resolution to Blumenfeld.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Milanowski to adopt Resolution No. 2023-76 In Recognition of the
Wisconsin Department of Administration. Motion carried, 13-0.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-77:
In Recognition of the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs works on behalf of the state’s veterans,
recognizing their service and sacrifice to our state and nation; and,
WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Veteran’s Services Department prides itself on supporting veterans
and their families, caregivers, and survivors;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 25th day of July 2023, expresses their appreciation on behalf of Bayfield County for the dedication
and commitment the Department of Veteran’s Affairs demonstrates in carrying out its duties; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County asks for the Department’s assistance with
addressing assisted living and nursing home needs for veterans in Bayfield County. With only one
nursing home in Bayfield County, and nursing homes across the state closing, this is a critical issue for
veterans and their families.
Oswald presented a copy of the resolution to Bond.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Rautio to adopt Resolution No. 2023-77 In Recognition of the
Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs. Motion carried, 13-0.
Public Comment: Sheldon Johnson, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, spoke on the incubator
project in Iron River and explained that the NWRPC’s Board of Directors will be holding their meeting
the next day to approve releasing the funds to Bayfield County to be used as the county sees fit.
Sara Wartman, Town of Kelly, asked that the county board, when considering housing, focuses on
revitalizing current infrastructure rather than urban sprawl.
Minutes from June 27, 2023: Motion by Milanowski, seconded by Rekemeyer to approve the June 27,
2023 Minutes from the Monthly Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Motion carried, 13-0.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Team Memorandum of Understanding: Abeles-Allison reported that
corporation counsel, the Sheriff Committee, and the Executive Committee have reviewed the agreement.
The agreement would allow the Bayfield County Sheriff, or their designee, to call upon a volunteer team
to assist with searches when needed. Quaderer explained that the agreement also allows the team to go
into Ashland County. Ashland County would have a similar agreement. Motion by Oswald, seconded by
Fickbohm to approve the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team Memorandum of Understanding. Motion
carried, 13-0.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-78:
In Support of FY2024 PSAP Grant Application
WHEREAS, On January 31st, 2023, Ashland and Bayfield Counties resolved to consolidate the
Ashland and Bayfield County PSAPs into a consolidated dispatch center; and,
WHEREAS, On May 30th, 2023, The Office of Emergency Communications awarded Bayfield County
funding through the FY23 PSAP Grant; and,
WHEREAS, Additional funding is needed for training, a more adequate and robust Records
Management System (CAD) with 9-1-1 mapping capabilities, and NextGen911 readiness; and,
WHEREAS, On June 16th, 2023, the Office of Emergency Communications announced the FY2024
PSAP Grant Application process was open and PSAPs are allowed to apply for supplemental funding
for FY23 projects;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 25th day of July, 2023, does hereby support the FY2024 PSAP Grant Supplemental Funding
application in the amount of approximately $950,000 and recognizes the grant requires a 20% match of
local funds.
Quaderer reported that there were items that were not included in the previous grant application that
would be included in this new application.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Rautio to adopt Resolution No. 2023-78 In Support of FY2024 PSAP
Grant Application. Motion carried, 13-0.
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Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-81:
PSAP Consolidation Budget Amendment 2023
WHEREAS, On May 1st, 2023, Bayfield County in conjunction with Ashland County, applied for the
FY23 DMA PSAP Grant; and,
WHEREAS, On May 30th, 2023, the Department of Military Affairs Office of Emergency
Communications awarded Bayfield County funding for a project total of $833,330, which $133,332.80
(14%) is required for a local match to be split between Ashland and Bayfield Counites; and,
WHEREAS, the grant project has a required completion date of December 31st, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, to meet the completion deadline, purchasing related to the PSAP grant must begin to
ensure timely arrival of equipment;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled
this 25th day of July, 2023, does hereby authorize that the 2023 Budget be amended as follows:
PSAP Consortium (Joint Dispatch)
Increase Fund Balance Applied 100-00-49301 by $ 66,667
Increase Transfer to 242 100-00-59200-50998 by $ 66,667
Increase Grant Revenue 242-16-43520 by $699,997
Increase Ashland Co Reimb. 242-16-47320 by $ 66,666
Increase Transfer from Other Funds 242-16-49201 by $ 66,667
Increase Equipment 242-16-52606-50810 by $506,690
Increase Contractual 242-16-52606-50290 by $217,134
Increase Capital Improvements 242-16-52606-50820 by $ 99,671
Increase Office Supplies 242-16-52606-50310 by $ 9,835
Abeles-Allison reported that the joint dispatch grant was finally approved, and the budget amendment
would allow the project to begin. Quaderer stated the PSAP Board of Directors would like to get moving
on the project sooner than 2024.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Sandstrom to adopt Resolution No. 2023-81 PSAP Consolidation
Budget Amendment 2023. Motion carried, 13-0.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-79:
NWRPC Iron River Incubator Proceeds
WHEREAS, Bayfield County partnered with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission in 2003 for
the construction of the Iron River incubator; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County made an equity contribution in the amount of $200,000, and agreement
provisions have these funds returning to Bayfield County in 2023; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County built half of Arganbright Road in 2017 in the Bayfield County Business
Park on US Highway 2; and,
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WHEREAS, the cost to build the second half of the new gravel road and have it outlet on State
Highway 137 is approximately $500,000. The business park has $300,000 in funds available for this
project; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County Economic Development corporation is talking with companies that
would need this new section of road to locate at the Business Park; and,
WHEREAS, Using the incubator funds to go towards business park road infrastructure keeps these
funds in economic development.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 25th day of July 2023, does hereby approve dedicating $200,000 from the Northwest Regional
Planning Commission to the completion of the Bayfield County Business Park road project.
Rekemeyer asked if the county is still considering moving forward with the Grand View garage project.
Abeles-Allison replied that the county will still be moving forward with the project.
Motion by Strand, seconded by Rondeau to adopt Resolution No. 2023-79 NWRPC Iron River Incubator
Proceeds. Motion carried, 13-0.
Bayfield County Resolution No. 2023-80:
Establishing a Finance Section Within the County Administrator Budget, Creating the Position of
Finance Director and Authorizing Associated Budget Amendments
WHEREAS, Finance responsibilities of the county have grown dramatically in recent years as it relates
to State and Federal Funding, Audit Compliance, and County Department Grant Requirements; and,
WHEREAS, a Finance Director will assist the County Administrator and departments in complying
with accounting standards, addressing budget issues and audit compliance; and,
WHEREAS, Bookkeeper duties are directly related to and support the responsibilities of the Finance
Director;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled
this 25th day of July 2023, does hereby create a salaried/exempt Finance Director position at the Grade O
wage level; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the county board does hereby create a finance section within the
County Administrator budget; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that effective August 1, 2023, the Finance Director and Bookkeeper
positions shall fall under the supervision of the County Administration office; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is authorized to make budget
amendments addressing wage adjustments as noted above and comp time pay-outs as necessary to
facilitate this transition to a salaried position.
Motion by Rondeau, seconded by Crandall to adopt Resolution No. 2023-80 Establishing a Finance
Section Within the County Administrator Budget, Creating the Position of Finance Director and
Authorizing Associated Budget Amendments. Motion carried, 13-0.
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Reports:
a) Wellness on Wheels: Wartman explained that the Health Department has utilized the
Emergency Management Incident Command Trailer to travel throughout the county to provide
health services in the rural areas throughout the county. Wartman reviewed a number of services
the department looks to use the trailer for.
b) Broadband Project Status Report: Barksdale, Town of Washburn West: Abeles-Allison
gave an update on the broadband projects.
c) County Web Page Update: The county website has been updated with a new look.
d) Comprehensive Plan Report: Abeles-Allison reported that the Comprehensive Plan is nearing
its final stages and the final document should be coming before the board for approval in October
or November.
e) Artesian Well Report: Abeles-Allison reported that the committee has met multiple times and
the committee is currently working on a policy statement.
f) Evacuation Update: Abeles-Allison reviewed the board room evacuation procedures.
g) Future County Board Meeting Dates:
a. August 29, 2023
b. September 26, 2023
c. October 31, 2023
Supervisory Reports: Silbert expressed appreciation to Abeles-Allison in his role in establishing
relationships with the Madison delegates and securing their visits to Bayfield County.
Fickbohm reported that the topic of opening up County Highways to ATVs is a hot topic in his area.
Sandstrom stated he had two individuals at the picnic before the meeting approach him expressing
concerns regarding opening the roads.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Pocernich adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat